Spatiotemporal dynamics of pacing in models of anatomical reentry

Abstract

Reentry around non-conducting ventricular scar tissue, which often causes lethal arrhythmias, is typically treated by rapid stimulation from an implantable defibrillator. However, the mechanisms of termination (success and failure) are poorly understood. To elucidate such mechanisms, we studied pacing of anatomical reentry in 1-D and 2-D excitable cardiac media models. Our results suggest that the existence of inhomogeneity in the reentry circuit is essential for pacing termination of tachycardia to be successful. Considering the role of such inhomogeneities may lead to more effective pacing algorithms.