Computational modelling of low voltage resonant drift of scroll waves in the realistic human atria

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of human atrial anatomy and fibre orientation on the effectiveness of a low voltage resonant defibrillation method. The Courtemanche-Ramirez-Nattel model was modified to simulate scroll wave re-entry that may represent a form of atrial fibrillation. The cell models were incorporated into a 3D anatomical model to simulate re-entry. The single shock threshold to eliminate re-entry in the isotropic and anisotropic 3D models was estimated as the reference point for the low energy defibrillation effectiveness. The low voltage scroll wave termination protocol was based on the resonant drift of stationary scroll waves due to feedback-controlled periodic stimulation. The global resonant feedback stimulation can work in the realistic anatomy model in principle. Further investigation to find optimal parameters for the resonant low energy defibrillation in anatomically realistic models must include optimal location of electrodes as well as stimulation protocol improvement.