Complex multiple bound spiral waves in anisotropic or uncoupled cardiomyocyte cultures. Role of cellular coupling

Abstract

Background: Theoretical studies predict that when multiple spiral waves (SW) coexist in well coupled excitable media, the fastest SW overdrives others or they synchronize into relatively simple, stable patterns. In cultured cardiomyocyte monolayers in which intercellular coupling was altered by either nonuniform anisotropy or gap junction blockade, we describe intermediate states of complex multiple bound SW.