Key result
A one-dimensional computer model demonstrated that rapid propagation through a virtual anode can cause failure of propagation at its edge during defibrillation.
Computational modeling suggests that rapid propagation through a virtual anode can cause propagation failure at its edge, providing insight into the mechanism of the upper limit of vulnerability during defibrillation.
Researchers have suggested that the fate of a shock‐induced wave front at the edge of a “virtual anode” (a region hyperpolarized by the shock) is a key factor determining success or failure during defibrillation of the heart. In this paper, we use a simple one‐dimensional computer model to examine propagation speed through a hyperpolarized region. Our goal is to test the hypothesis that rapid propagation through a virtual anode can cause failure of propagation at the edge of the virtual anode. The calculations support this hypothesis and suggest that the time constant of the sodium inactivation gate is an important parameter. These results may be significant in understanding the mechanism of the upper limit of vulnerability.
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Charteris et al. (2011) studied Defibrillation of the heart. Hyperpolarization (virtual anode) was evaluated on Propagation speed and failure of propagation at the edge of the virtual anode. A one-dimensional computer model demonstrated that rapid propagation through a virtual anode can cause failure of propagation at its edge during defibrillation.
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