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

A. GONZÁLEZ-SUÁREZ; R. M. IRASTORZA; S. DEANE; B. OBRIEN; M. OHALLORAN; A. ELAHI

COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2022

0169-2607

Background and objectives: Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation has been proposed as anon-thermal energy to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) by ablation of ganglionated plexi usingthe epicardial approach. The electric field distribution at the target site (heart) and itssurroundings has not yet been assessed previously, using epicardial ablation technique. Ourobjective was to develop computational models, incorporating the real anatomy of the heartand the patient?s torso, to assess the electric field distribution when applying epicardialmonopolar PEF.Methods: A novel 3D realistic full torso model was built with the multi-electrode ablationdevice placed on the epicardium and a dispersive pad on the patient?s back to evaluate theelectric field distribution. The 400 V/cm isoline was used to estimate the ?PEF-zone?. A 3Dlimited-domain model was also built including only the region of interest around theablation 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 of25.79 to 29.00 mm, depths of 5.98−7.02 mm and maximum widths of 8.75−10.57 mm) andis practically negligible in adjacent organs (