Computer simulation of atrial arrhythmias, including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

To study initiation and termination of atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, a simulation environment was designed, based on previously published models. Two different aspects of atrial electrophysiology are currently studied using these simulation models. Firstly whether or not, depending on the electrophysiological properties, electrical activity originating in the sinus node can reach the fibrillating atrium. In a second study a spiral wave rotating in a piece of atrial tissue is conducted back from the border zone to the core of the spiral wave over subendocardial muscle structures. The influence of various parameters on the disturbance of the spiral wave is under investigation.