Determination and Transformation of conduction velocities during a catheter study using a computational model

  • Introduction:
    Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the prevailing arrhythmic disease. AF leads to a distortion of the normal heart function and depending on the strength of the disease can suppress blood flow in certain heart regions leading to coagulation which in turn can cause more serious illnesses like stroke. To prevent this from happening minimally invasive catheter procedures are used to measure electro anatomical signals by placing electrode arrays on the cells of the inner wall of the heart (endocardium). Depending on the induced and measured voltages information about the underlying substrate can be deduced. Furthermore, by measuring a multitude of points, conduction paths and conduction velocities of the depolarization wave can be traced, aiding the physician in planning ablation therapies.

    Aim & Method:
    The aim is to evaluate the exact interactions between electrode and excited cells further. Especially the conduction velocity combines information contained in the stimulation current and the conductivity of the cell. Another aspect that should be investigated is the volume and region of cells an electrode activates. Since a surgery still has minimal risks a model approach is most suitable.