Simulation of Excitation Wave Spreading in Myocardial Fibrosis

In this study, the possibility of using digital technologies for visualization of myocardial fibrosis based on the analysis of morphological and electrocardiographic criteria is considered. At first, according to morphological data, a process of myocardial fibrosis spreading in different age groups is presented. Further, electrocardiographic parameters of myocardial fibrosis in the groups are evaluated. At the next step, we established the relation between myocardial fibrosis and electrical substrate of its occurrence, by conducting a correlation analysis. For realization of an electrical excitation model of the heart, at first, the initial and boundary conditions established, and then, with cardiographic information, simulation of excitation wave spreading in the heart structures performed. The model of excitation impulse is based on Aliev-Panfilov model. When passing through fibrous areas of the heart, which have different receptivity for excitation, electrophysiological conditions for occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias created. Thus, an opportunity to use digital technologies for simulation of myocardial fibrosis is confirmed.