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A 2D Electromechanical Model of Human Atrial Tissue Using the Discrete Element Method
Paul Brocklehurst1, Ismail Adeniran2, Dongmin Yang3
1Engineering Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YR, UK.
Biomed Research International
|November 20, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel discrete element model (DEM) for human atrial tissue, capturing its cellular complexity. The model successfully simulates cardiac electrical waves and mechanical contractions, advancing electromechanical coupling research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Computational Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cardiac tissue exhibits a discrete, cellular nature crucial for electromechanical function.
- Existing models often simplify cardiac tissue to a continuous medium, overlooking discrete properties.
- This simplification limits the accurate representation of cardiac electromechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 2D electromechanical model of human atrial tissue using the discrete element method (DEM).
- To incorporate detailed single-cell electrophysiology and myofilament dynamics with two-way feedback.
- To investigate the simulation of cardiac electrical wave propagation and mechanical contraction.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 2D electromechanical model based on the discrete element method (DEM).
- Coupled the Courtemanche electrophysiological model with the Rice myofilament model, including intracellular Ca(2+) feedback.
- Represented each cell as a viscoelastic body composed of nine particles.
- Modeled cell aggregation to account for anisotropic tissue structure and used a linear contact bond model for cell-to-cell mechanical interactions.
Main Results:
- The DEM model successfully simulated the propagation of cardiac electrical waves.
- The model accurately reproduced the corresponding mechanical contractions of the cardiac tissue.
- Demonstrated numerical stability and effectiveness in simulating electromechanical coupling.
Conclusions:
- The discrete element method provides a robust framework for modeling cardiac tissue electromechanics.
- This approach overcomes limitations of continuous models by accounting for cellular discreteness.
- The developed model offers a powerful tool for studying complex electromechanical interactions in the heart.
