Computer modeling of radiofrequency cardiac ablation: 30 years of bioengineering research

A. GONZÁLEZ SUÁREZ; J. J. PÉREZ; R. M. IRASTORZA; A. DAVILA; E. BERJANO

COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2021

0169-2607

This review begins with a rationale of the importance of theoretical, mathematical andcomputational models for radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation (RFCA). We then describethe historical context in which each model was developed, its contribution to the knowledgeof the physics of RFCA and its implications for clinical practice. Next, we review thecomputer modeling studies intended to improve our knowledge of the biophysics of RFCAand those intended to explore new technologies. We describe the most important technicaldetails of the implementation of mathematical models, including governing equations,tissue properties, boundary conditions, etc. We discuss the utility of lumped elementmodels, which despite their simplicity are widely used by clinical researchers to provide aphysical explanation of how RF power is absorbed in different tissues. Computer modelverification and validation are also discussed in the context of RFCA. The article ends witha section on the current limitations, i.e. aspects not yet included in state-of-the-art RFCAcomputer modeling and on future work aimed at covering the current gaps.