# What is the best pulse shape for pacing purposes?

## TL;DR

This paper identifies the best pulse shapes for cell pacing, depending on whether the goal is to reach the excitation threshold or minimize energy delivery.

## Contribution

The study introduces a mathematical model to compare pulse shapes for optimal pacing in excitable tissues.

## Key findings

- Rectangular pulses are optimal for reaching the excitation threshold.
- Gaussian pulses minimize energy delivery to the patient.
- Other pulse shapes perform intermediate in terms of threshold and energy efficiency.

## Abstract

Cell pacing is a fundamental procedure for generating action potentials (AP) in excitable tissues. Various pulse shapes have been proposed for this purpose, with the aim of either facilitating the achievement of the excitation threshold or minimizing energy delivery to the patient. This study seeks to identify the optimal pulse shape for each of these objectives.

To determine the most effective pulse forms, we employed a mathematical model simulating nonlinear tissue responses to a range of pulse shapes.

Our results demonstrate that the rectangular pulse is optimal for reaching the excitation threshold, while the Gaussian pulse is superior in minimizing energy delivery. Other pulse shapes examined, including ramp-up, ramp-down, half-sine, and triangular (tent-like), fall between these two in terms of performance.

From a clinical perspective, the appropriate pulse shape should be selected based on the specific goal. For minimizing the pulse amplitude required to cross the excitation threshold, the rectangular pulse is recommended. In contrast, if reducing energy delivery to the patient is paramount, the Gaussian pulse is the preferred choice. In other scenarios, a judicious selection can be made based on the outcomes of our model and the clinical requirements.