Paper Info
Title
Atrial Anatomy Influences Onset and Termination of Atrial Fibrillation: A Computer Model Study
Abstract
Vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased in acutely dilated atria and is related to stretch-activated channels (SACs). To investigate the role of atrial anatomy in AF, we apply a computer model of human atrial electromechanics that includes SACs and contraction of the sarcomeres. Trabecular bundle structures are modeled by varying atrial wall thickness in a triangular mesh representing the human atria. Vulnerability to AF is investigated by application of overall stretch, while stimulating near the pulmonary veins. Due to contraction of some areas, stretch increases in other areas, leading to a variation in effective refractory period (ERP). Onset and perpetuation of AF in our model is explained by an increased dispersion in ERP, conduction slowing, and local conduction block. Atrial contraction attributes to the termination of AF through mechanoelectric feedback. We conclude that onset and termination of AF episodes under stretch are related to atrial structure and mechanoelectric feedback.
Year
DOI
Venue
2009
10.1007/978-3-642-01932-6_31
FIMH
Keywords
Field
DocType
af episode,mechanoelectric feedback,computer model study,stretch increase,atrial wall thickness,atrial fibrillation,overall stretch,atrial anatomy,atrial anatomy influences onset,conduction slowing,human atrial electromechanics,computer model,atrial contraction,triangular mesh,effective refractory period
Atrial fibrillation,Contraction (grammar),Anatomy,Atrium (architecture),P wave,Sarcomere,Internal medicine,Computer science,Cardiology,Atrial wall,Atrial structure,Effective refractory period
Conference
Volume
ISSN
Citations 
5528
0302-9743
0
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.34
2
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Nico Kuijpers1399.65
Huub M. M. ten Eikelder2113.96
Sander Verheule322.69