Integration of activation maps of epicardial veins in computational cardiac electrophysiology

TL;DR

This study validates a computational model of cardiac activation times using activation maps from epicardial veins in LBBB patients, demonstrating accurate predictions with reduced invasive mapping.

Contribution

It introduces a validated simulation approach that predicts epicardial activation times using limited invasive data, reducing procedure invasiveness.

Findings

Excellent agreement between simulated and measured activation times.

Model can accurately predict activation with minimal invasive data.

Potential to reduce invasive procedures in cardiac electrophysiology.

Abstract

In this work we address the issue of validating the monodomain equation used in combination with the Bueno-Orovio ionic model for the prediction of the activation times in cardiac electro-physiology of the left ventricle. To this aim, we consider our patients who suffered from Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB). We use activation maps performed at the septum as input data for the model and maps at the epicardial veins for the validation. In particular, a first set (half) of the latter are used to estimate the conductivities of the patient and a second set (the remaining half) to compute the errors of the numerical simulations. We find an excellent agreement between measures and numerical results. Our validated computational tool could be used to accurately predict activation times at the epicardial veins with a short mapping, i.e. by using only a part (the most proximal) of the standard acquisition points, thus reducing the invasive procedure and exposure to radiation.