Simulation of closed-loop rate-adaptive pacing with a numerical heart and circulation model

Abstract

A numerical model of the human cardiovascular system was developed to study the chronotropic and inotropic responses of the heart as well as peripheral adaptation to changing metabolic demands. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) control covers all three levels of the model: circulation, heart mechanics and myocardial cell. The purpose of the simulations is to investigate the control aspects of rate responsive pacing and to develop and test algorithms for rate adaptation based on cardiac control signals, of which unipolar intracardiac impedance measurements are of special interest.<>