Influence of left atrial geometry on rotor core trajectories in a model of atrial fibrillation

Left atrial anatomy and myocardial architecture are known to influence rotor initiation and maintenance. However, identifying their relative contribution clinically is challenging. The present study aims to investigate in silico the effect of left atrial geometry in isolation on rotor generation and evolution through the spatiotemporal tracking of phase singularities. After meandering for a short period of time, rotors are attracted to specific areas of the chamber where there is high curvature, primarily near the base of the left atrial appendage and the junctions of the pulmonary veins. This suggests that the left atrial anatomy could play a key role in the perpetuation of fibrillatory activity.

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