Semi-automatic enhancement of atrial models to include atrial architecture and patient specific data: For biophysical simulations

Abstract

Despite its large influence on biophysical simulations, the underlying anatomical representation is often oversimplified. The need for mode detailed anatomical models has been identified by numerous authors. An atrial model including macro and microscopic muscle architecture would help improve the correlation between real and virtual ECGs. In addition it provides a mean to de-couple the simulation domains (anatomy and physiology). A tool developed to create such models is presented. It readily allows fine-tuning factors such as: connectivity, discontinuity, fiber orientation, muscle architecture, and heterogeneities. The algorithms that speed up the conversion of a 3D heart mesh in raw format, into a detailed model of the atria are explained. As a result, patient-specific models are brought one step closer.