Computational analysis of the effect of valvular regurgitation on ventricular mechanics using a 3D electromechanics model.

Using a three-dimensional electromechanical model of the canine ventricles with dyssynchronous heart failure, we investigated the relationship between severity of valve regurgitation and ventricular mechanical responses. The results demonstrated that end-systolic tension in the septum and left ventricular free wall was significantly lower under the condition of mitral regurgitation (MR) than under aortic regurgitation (AR). Stroke work in AR was higher than that in MR.

A patient-specific model of virtual ablation for atrial fibrillation.

The purpose of this study was to propose a patient-specific model of atrial fibrillation (AF) and apply it to virtual radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We obtained patient-specific geometries of the left atrium (LA) from CT data and constructed three-dimensional (3D) simulation models. A bidomain Courtemanche model was used to simulate the 3D electric waves on the LA surface, and an S1-S2 protocol was applied to induce AF in the model.

Patient-specific identification of optimal ubiquitous electrocardiogram (U-ECG) placement using a three-dimensional model of cardiac electrophysiology.

A bipolar mini-ECG for ubiquitous healthcare (U-ECG) has been introduced, and various studies using the U-ECG device are in progress. Because it uses two electrodes within a small torso surface area, the design of the U-ECG must be suitable for detecting ECG signals. Using a 3-D model of cardiac electrophysiology, we have developed a simulation method for identifying the optimal placement of U-ECG electrodes on the torso surface.