Title :
The effect of critical point location and membrane kinetics on VF induction by T-wave stimulation
Author :
Rowan, C.A. ; Malkin, R.A. ; Entcheve, E.G.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Biomed. Eng., Memphis Univ., Memphis, TN, USA
Abstract :
A strong stimulus delivered in the T-wave of a normal cardiac cycle can induce ventricular fibrillation. The critical point mechanism is thought to be responsible for this phenomenon. However, rapid pacing can cause an otherwise benign strong T-wave stimulus to induce VF. Here, the authors examine an extension of the critical point hypothesis which can explain the effect of rapid pacing. Specifically, they hypothesize that a critical point must form a minimum distance from an anatomical obstacle to establish VF. Furthermore, the authors suspect that this minimum distance depends on the pacing rate prior to the stimulus. The FitzHugh-Nagumo membrane kinetics and advanced solving techniques (EZ-Spiral) were used to simulate the dynamics of spiral waves and critical points in excitable media. The model confirms a distance/pacing rate interaction, but also indicates a subtle difference in the form of reentry initiated after rapid pacing
Keywords :
bioelectric phenomena; biomembranes; cardiology; physiological models; EZ-Spiral; FitzHugh-Nagumo membrane kinetics; T-wave stimulation; VF induction; advanced solving techniques; anatomical obstacle; benign strong T-wave stimulus; cardiac electrophysiology; critical point location; distance/pacing rate interaction; excitable media; membrane kinetics; normal cardiac cycle; rapid pacing; reentry; spiral waves dynamics; ventricular fibrillation; Biomedical engineering; Biomembranes; Cardiology; Computational modeling; Electric shock; Electrical stimulation; Equations; Fibrillation; Kinetic theory; Spirals;
Conference_Titel :
Computers in Cardiology 1998
Conference_Location :
Cleveland, OH
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5200-9
DOI :
10.1109/CIC.1998.731765