Papers Published

1. Rowan, C.A. and Malkin, R.A. and Entcheve, E.G., The effect of critical point location and membrane kinetics on VF induction by T-wave stimulation, Computers in Cardiology 1998. Vol. 25 (Cat. No.98CH36292) (1998), pp. 189 - 92 [CIC.1998.731765] .
   (last updated on 2007/04/14)

   Abstract:
   A strong stimulus delivered in the T-wave of a normal cardiac cycle can induce ventricular fibrillation. The critical point mechanism is thought to be responsible for this phenomenon. However, rapid pacing can cause an otherwise benign strong T-wave stimulus to induce VF. Here, the authors examine an extension of the critical point hypothesis which can explain the effect of rapid pacing. Specifically, they hypothesize that a critical point must form a minimum distance from an anatomical obstacle to establish VF. Furthermore, the authors suspect that this minimum distance depends on the pacing rate prior to the stimulus. The FitzHugh-Nagumo membrane kinetics and advanced solving techniques (EZ-Spiral) were used to simulate the dynamics of spiral waves and critical points in excitable media. The model confirms a distance/pacing rate interaction, but also indicates a subtle difference in the form of reentry initiated after rapid pacing

   Keywords:
   bioelectric phenomena;biomembranes;cardiology;physiological models;