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Dissolution of spiral wave's core using cardiac optogenetics
Sayedeh Hussaini1,2,3, Sarah L Lädke1, Johannes Schröder-Schetelig1,2,3
1Research Group Biomedical Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany.
Plos Computational Biology
|December 7, 2023
Summary
This study reveals how low-intensity light can slowly terminate cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia. Understanding these dynamics aids in developing improved defibrillation techniques for heart rhythm disorders.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Rotating spiral waves cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.
- Current defibrillation uses high-voltage shocks for immediate termination, but slow termination mechanisms are also observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of slow arrhythmia termination using optogenetically modified cardiac tissue.
- To explore the effects of low-intensity light on spiral wave behavior in cardiac tissue.
Main Methods:
- In silico numerical simulations of cardiac tissue.
- Ex vivo experiments on intact mouse hearts with optogenetic modification.
- Optical imaging during ventricular arrhythmia under global illumination.
Main Results:
- Observed slow termination of ventricular arrhythmia in mouse hearts.
- Identified action potential prolongation during the final wave rotation.
- Numerical models showed spiral core expansion and termination upon illumination.
Conclusions:
- Low-intensity light can induce slow termination of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Action potential prolongation is key to slow termination dynamics.
- Findings inform the development of novel defibrillation strategies.
