Influence of atrial contraction dynamics on cardiac function.

In recent years, there has been a move from monoventricular or biventricular models of the heart, to more complex models that incorporate the electromechanical function in all 4 chambers. However, the biophysical foundation is still underdeveloped, with most work in atrial cellular models having focused on electrophysiological properties. Here, we present a biophysical model of human atrial contraction at body temperature and use it to study the effects of atrial contraction on whole organ function and a study of the effects of remodelling due to atrial fibrillation on atrial and ventricular function.

Analyses of the redistribution of work following cardiac resynchronisation therapy in a patient specific model.

Regulation of regional work is essential for efficient cardiac function. In patients with heart failure and electrical dysfunction such as left branch bundle block regional work is often depressed in the septum. Following cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) this heterogeneous distribution of work can be rebalanced by altering the pattern of electrical activation.