The effects of inhomogeneities and anisotropies on electrocardiographic fields: a three-dimensional finite element study

Abstract

We provide quantitative information on the effects of selected inhomogeneities and anisotropies on the finite element solution of the forward electrocardiographic field problem. The geometry of the model is based on the Utah Torso model and includes epicardial fatpads, cardiac chambers, major arteries and veins, sternum, ribs, spine and clavicles. Experimentally measured epicardial potentials were used for the electrical source and solutions were computed using the finite element (FE) method. Simulations were performed varying the conductivities assigned to the different structures in the model including anisotropic configurations of the skeletal muscle. Results showed the anisotropic skeletal muscle had a significant impact on the distribution of electrocardiographic fields with an average of 13% percent difference front the homogeneous isotropic case.