Non-invasive visualization of the complete cardiac conduction system using magnetic resonance microscopy

Background The impulse-conducting system that coordinates the cardiac cycle requires a well-orchestrated interplay of its multiple heterogeneous components for synchronous and reliable contractions [1]. Thus, detailed insight into the anatomy of the conduction system would be of great significance to understand the cardiac performance arising from electro-mechanical activity [2,3]. To date, the techniques most commonly used to study the conduction system are invasive, and use intrinsically destructive procedures. MR imaging has previously used to visualize free-running Purkinje fibers [3,4], but not those in the myocardium, and thus only provide a partial account of the conduction system.