PhD defence C.P. (Chris) Teuwen

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are prone to develop tachyarrhythmia. In the first part of this thesis we described as first development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with CHD and patient characteristics associated with development AF such as an increased incidence of atrial extrasystole during 24-hour Holter registration. Next, we studied the role of fractionated QRS complex on the surface ECG and development of (life-threatening) ventricular tachyarrhytmia in patients with CHD. Finally, we described the sequence of all dysrhythmia over time in this specific group of patients.

In the second part of this thesis, we performed our unique high-resolution epicardial mapping in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. In this thesis, we focused on Bachmann's bundle, a bundle of parallel orientated fibers on the interatrial roof that was first described a century ago, and the potential role in development of AF. First, we found an anatomical variety of Bachmann’s bundle between patients. In line with that, we observed diverse inter-individual activation patterns during sinus rhythm across this bundle. Finally, conduction disorders across Bachmann’s bundle during sinus rhythm were associated with development of AF. This latter may in the future result in new treatment strategies focusing on Bachmann’s bundle.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall or in the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.