Verification of a Defibrillation Simulation Using Internal Electric Fields in a Human Shaped Phantom

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Electrophysiology
• Medical Device Simulation

Background:

• Patient-specific computer simulations are crucial for evaluating Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).
• Previous verification of ICD simulations relied on surface potential recordings, necessitating in-vivo or in-situ validation within the torso and heart.
• Accurate modeling is essential for optimizing ICD placement and shock efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a patient-specific computer simulation model for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).
• To compare simulated electrical potentials with experimentally recorded potentials within a porcine heart and torso model.
• To assess the model's suitability for clinical application in optimizing ICD design and use.

Main Methods:

• Developed a finite element computer simulation for ICD shock analysis.
• Used an ex-planted porcine heart in an electrolytic torso tank to record potentials.
• Measured potentials on the tank surface, epicardial surface, and within the myocardium during simulated ICD shocks.
• Compared experimental recordings with finite element solutions.

Main Results:

• Potentials recorded within the torso tank and on its surface closely matched simulated potentials.
• Quantitative analysis showed a high mean correlation (0.90) between recorded and simulated potentials.
• The model demonstrated a low mean normalized RMS error (0.102) and mean relative error (26.5%).

Conclusions:

• The validated computer simulation accurately predicts electrical potentials within the torso and heart.
• This model can reliably guide the optimization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) design and clinical application.
• The findings support the use of this simulation for patient-specific ICD evaluation.