According to the Localized Source Hypothesis, what is a key feature in maintaining AF?

The Localized Source Hypothesis posits that atrial fibrillation (AF) can be maintained by discrete sites of reentry or ectopic foci that trigger and sustain AF. The key feature highlighted in this hypothesis is the centrifugal spread of electric impulses from these localized foci, which can lead to chaotic and rapid atrial activity.

When these foci initiate impulses, they can spread outwards, creating a situation where multiple areas of the atrial myocardium are activated in a disorganized manner. This uncontrolled propagation of electrical signals contributes significantly to the maintenance of AF, as it allows for ongoing and recurrent activation of the atria, effectively preventing normal sinus rhythm from being restored.

This concept contrasts with other mechanisms for AF. While continuous firing of non-conductive tissue and irregular depolarization wavefronts could certainly affect heart rhythm, they do not specifically align with the core tenets of the Localized Source Hypothesis. Similarly, while multiple wavelet collisions are often discussed in relation to AF mechanisms, they are more closely associated with the complex dynamics of arrhythmias rather than the focus-based generation of AF described in this hypothesis. Thus, the centrifugal spread of discrete foci is indeed a fundamental aspect of how AF is maintained according to