Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms: A Contribution from Computational Modelling

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide; it is complex and can be multifactorial, and the underlying mechanisms are not yet completely understood, limiting treatment and reducing patients’ quality of life. Computational modelling has been shown to play an important role at improving current knowledge of AF. This study aims to simulate a normal heart condition as a planar wavefront propagation, and the three main AF mechanisms: ectopic foci, rotors and multiple and continuous intra-atrial reentries. This can be done through the OpenCARP platform, using its python framework called carputils, and applying Courtemanche’s human atrial action potential model. Action potential duration, local activation time and conduction velocity are estimated and compared, alongside the simulation images themselves. In summary, the mechanisms believed to underlie AF were reproduced here using 2D in-silico simulations performed in a standard computer. Action potential and cell-to-cell propagation variables had their roles identified in the mechanisms triggering and maintaining.