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The dynamics of vortex-like reentry wave filaments in three-dimensional computer models
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
Journal of Electrocardiology
|February 25, 2000
Summary
Computer simulations reveal that 3D vortex-like reentry filaments in heart models are complex. Modifying L-type calcium currents reduces filament complexity, suggesting ionic currents influence functional reentrant tachyarrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Computational Biology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Functional reentrant tachyarrhythmias, like atrial and ventricular fibrillation, are linked to spiral wave reentrant activation.
- Vortex-like reentry has been observed in 3D excitable media, but filament dynamics remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the observation of vortex-like reentry filaments in 3D heart models using mathematical ionic current models.
- To determine if abnormal myocardial ionic currents impact filament complexity in these reentry waves.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Luo-Rudy Phase I and FitzHugh-Nagumo models for 3D cardiac media simulations.
- Induced functional reentry via the S1-S2 method and visualized vortex waves and filaments.
- Employed supercomputing resources for extensive computational analysis.
Main Results:
- Filament dynamics in the original Luo-Rudy model were significantly more complex than in the FitzHugh-Nagumo model.
- Mathematical modification of L-type calcium current and action potential duration led to similar filament dynamics in both models.
- Myocardial characteristics significantly alter filament shape and location, creating complex reentry waves.
Conclusions:
- The inherent properties of myocardium critically influence the complexity of functional reentrant waves.
- Depression of L-type calcium current can reduce the complexity of vortex-like reentry filament dynamics.