Ventricular Fibrillation Induced by Stretch Pulse: Implications for Sudden Death Due to Commotio Cordis

Abstract

Sudden myocardial stretch can elicit VF when it occurs during a vulnerable window that is based on repolarization inhomogeneity. Stretch pulses applied during this vulnerable window can lead to nonuniform activation. Repolarization dispersion might play a crucial role in the occurrence of fatal tachyarrhythmias during commotio cordis.