Evaluation of inverse problem with slow-conducting channel in scar area in a post-infarction model

Abstract

Background: Slow-conducting channels in postinfarction scar areas constitute a life-threatening substrate, since they may lead to reentries and further fibrillation. Inverse problem methods may help to non-invasively locate these channels. Methods: Cardiac activity during chronic infarction was simulated based on Bueno-Orovio's cardiac cell model on a mesh representing a realistic ventricular anatomy. Ventricular electrograms (EGMs) were computed and used to obtain the torso surface electrical activity. The inverse problem resolution with zero-order Tikhonov regularization was used to calculate the inverse EGMs on the ventricular epicardial surface. Activation-recovery intervals (ARIs), defined as the interval between times of minimum derivative of QRS and maximum derivative of T wave, were measured from the departing and inverse-computed EGMs and subsequently compared. Results: ARIs were shorter in the channel than in the border zone and healthy area, both in the simulated EGMs and in their inverse-computed counterparts. Conclusion: The results in this paper show that the channel inside a post infarction scar zone can be non-invasively identified by using inverse problem approaches.