Topological charge-density method of identifying phase singularities in cardiac fibrillation

Area of Science:

• Computational physics
• Biophysics
• Cardiovascular dynamics

Background:

• Spiral waves are fundamental patterns in excitable systems like cardiac tissue.
• Phase singularities (PSs) at spiral wave centers are crucial for understanding complex dynamics.
• Current research explores ablating PS locations to treat atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new method for accurately locating phase singularities (PSs).
• To leverage the concept of topological charge for PS identification.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of the topological charge density expression for discrete spiral waves.
• Direct calculation of topological charge at each grid point.
• Utilizing the calculated charge to pinpoint PS locations.

Main Results:

• A novel method for calculating topological charge density in discrete systems was established.
• The method allows for direct, accurate identification of phase singularity positions.
• This approach offers a new way to determine PS locations within spiral wave dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method accurately identifies phase singularity locations by calculating topological charge density.
• This technique provides a valuable tool for studying spiral wave dynamics in excitable media.
• Accurate PS localization may have implications for understanding and treating cardiac arrhythmias.