Publication

Full torso and limited-domain computer models for epicardial pulsed electric field ablation

González-Suárez, Ana
Irastorza, Ramiro M.
Deane, Stuart
O'Brien, Barry
O'Halloran, Martin
Elahi, Adnan
Citation
González-Suárez, Ana, Irastorza, Ramiro M., Deane, Stuart, O'Brien, Barry, O'Halloran, Martin, & Elahi, Adnan. (2022). Full torso and limited-domain computer models for epicardial pulsed electric field ablation. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 221, 106886. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106886
Abstract
Background and objectives Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation has been proposed as a non-thermal energy to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) by ablation of ganglionated plexi using the epicardial approach. The electric field distribution at the target site (heart) and its surroundings has not yet been assessed previously, using epicardial ablation technique. Our objective was to develop computational models, incorporating the real anatomy of the heart and the patient's torso, to assess the electric field distribution when applying epicardial monopolar PEF. Methods A novel 3D realistic full torso model was built with the multi-electrode ablation device placed on the epicardium and a dispersive pad on the patient's back to evaluate the electric field distribution. The 400 V/cm isoline was used to estimate the â PEF-zoneâ . A 3D limited-domain model was also built including only the region of interest around the ablation device to assess its validity in comparison with the full torso model. Results The electrical field is mainly limited to the target site (PEF-zone with lengths of 25.79 to 29.00 mm, depths of 5.98â 7.02 mm and maximum widths of 8.75â 10.57 mm) and is practically negligible in adjacent organs (
Funder
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106886
Rights
CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IE