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A computational model of rabbit geometry and ECG: Optimizing ventricular activation sequence and APD distribution
Robin Moss1,2, Eike M Wülfers1,2, Raphaela Lewetag1,3
1Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg ⋅ Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Plos One
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Researchers created a rabbit torso and heart model for computational electrophysiology. This model, combined with ECG recordings, accurately simulated body surface potentials, aiding in understanding heart function and disease.
Area of Science:
- Computational electrophysiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Computational modeling of rabbit heart electrophysiology complements lab studies.
- Previous models lacked the ability to validate with body surface potentials or study pathologies.
- A comprehensive computational model of the rabbit torso and heart was needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the first openly available computational geometrical model of the entire rabbit heart and torso.
- To fabricate a 32-lead ECG-vest for recording rabbit body surface potentials.
- To optimize ventricular activation sequences and investigate action potential duration gradients using the model and recorded data.
Main Methods:
- CT imaging was used to create a detailed geometrical model of the rabbit's heart and torso.
- A 32-lead ECG-vest was developed and used to record body surface potential signals.
- The computational model was refined by optimizing the ventricular activation sequence and incorporating action potential duration gradients.
Main Results:
- The optimized computational model achieved an average root mean square error of 0.074 mV/ms between measured and simulated signals.
- The best fit for the T-Wave, with an error of 0.038 mV/ms, was achieved by including an apico-basal gradient (20 ms shortening) and a transmural gradient (15 ms shortening).
- The model successfully recreated the functionality of the Purkinje network and investigated electrophysiological gradients.
Conclusions:
- The developed computational model and associated data provide a valuable resource for validating research in cardiac electrophysiology.
- This open-access model enables investigation into the impact of electrophysiological alterations on body surface signals for translational research.
- The study highlights the importance of incorporating specific action potential duration gradients for accurate simulation of cardiac electrical activity.
