Scroll wave filaments self-wrap around unexcitable heterogeneities.

Area of Science:

• Chemical kinetics
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Physical chemistry

Background:

• Scroll waves are complex 3D vortices in reaction-diffusion systems.
• Filaments are 1D phase singularities guiding scroll wave rotation.
• Understanding filament dynamics is crucial for controlling wave behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the phenomenon of scroll wave filament self-pinning to cylindrical heterogeneities.
• Analyze the mechanism and kinetics of filament wrapping and pinning.
• Explore the impact of pinning on filament length and vortex dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Experimental study using a chemical reaction-diffusion system.
• Numerical simulations of scroll wave dynamics.
• Analysis of filament-heterogeneity interactions and geometric changes.

Main Results:

• Filaments wrap around inert cylinders, preventing contraction and annihilation.
• Self-pinning leads to a steady increase in pinned filament length.
• Vortex rotation backbone is reshaped by the entwined filament.
• Pinning is most efficient for thin cylinders near the filament core size.

Conclusions:

• Self-pinning is a robust mechanism for scroll wave stabilization.
• Cylindrical heterogeneities can significantly alter scroll wave behavior.
• The findings may have relevance for understanding and controlling cardiac arrhythmias.