Computer simulation of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome utilizing a human heart model.

Abstract

The relationship between the location of an accessory pathway and body surface ECG waveforms was investigated by computer simulation of the WPW syndrome using a human heart model. The 3-dimensional heart model is composed of 50,000 units so as to represent the details of ventricular excitation. Ten typical accessory pathways near the A-V groove were examined, which correspond to Gallagher's classification of the WPW syndrome based on their surgical experience. Twelve-lead ECG waveforms were calculated for these 10 cases and were compared with the clinical observations of Gallagher et al. The polarities of the delta waves at 40 msec after the onset of the QRS were listed. The agreement of our model with the clinical data obtained by Gallagher et al is 87%. Details of changes in the ECG waveforms were also examined by changing ther terminal location of the accessory pathway along the radial and longitudinal directions in the ventricles, and it was found that the ECG waveforms of the limb leads are more sensitive to this difference in the preexcited location than those of the chest leads. The simulated epicardial isochronic patterns also agree with the measurements.