Computer simulations of cardiac defibrillation: a look inside the heart

Abstract

This paper presents for the first time computer simulations of electrical defibrillation in the heart in a realistic model of cardiac structure and membrane ionic processes. The content of the paper focuses primarily on model development. Two models of defibrillation are presented here: a three-dimensional slice of the canine heart that encompasses both ventricular cavities, and a full rabbit heart model. The two sets of simulations employing the described models demonstrate transmural electrical activity in the heart during and after the shock that has not yet been observed experimentally due to present limitations in recording procedures. The models developed here are intended for exploration of the mechanisms for defibrillation as well as to address issues pertinent to the clinical procedure of defibrillation such as electrode location and shock waveform.