The Conduction System of the Heart

Structure, Function and Clinical Implications

This monograph had its genesis in a workshop on the specific conduction held in the spring of 1975. The meeting was organized to discuss present knowledge on structure and function of the cardiac specialized tissues with emphasis on their clinical implications. Since much new information was presented, the participants agreed to prepare manuscripts and make their material available for publication. This has resulted in a book in which the cardiac specialized tissues are discussed by different specialists: the electron-microscopist, anatomist, pathologist, physiologist, physicist and clinician. Apart from their interest in the cardiac conduction system the participants shared the opinion that their contribu­ tion should be relevant to the understanding and treatment of patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The book should be useful for the clinician, the morphologist and the physio­ logist. The workshop took place at the University Department of Cardiology, Wilhelmina Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This is the home ground of one of the most outstanding electro cardiologists of our time, Dr. Dirk Durrer. By pairing genius and originality with endless fund of energy and dogged persistence he made several important contributions to modern cardiac electrophysiology. In recent years he created a cardio­ logical institute where workers from various disciplines cooperate in the study and treat­ ment of cardiac disease. Several of his pupils participated in the workshop and contributed to this volume. In appreciation and thankfulness we want to dedicate this book to Dr. Dirk Durrer.