Computer Simulation of Anterograde Accessory Pathway Conduction in Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome with a Simplified Model

Abstract

The mechanism underlying Wolff-Parkinson-White syn-drome features accessory conduction between the atrium and ventricle. However, the morphological and electro-physiological details remain unclear. Here, we performed preliminary computer simulations of anterograde, accessory pathway conduction using a simplified wall model. Our model features simplified atrial and ventricular walls, and a myocardial bundle (the accessory pathway). The action potentials of these components were represented by Courtemenche and O’Hara-Rudy models. We performed computer simulations to explore relationships among accessory pathway bundle size, intercellular conductivity, and anterograde conduction. We found that a thick accessory pathway facilitates anterograde conduction, ventricular conductivity promotes such conduction, and the accessory pathway prevents anterograde conduction. Source-sink mismatch may explain the first two points; an electro-tonic effect may explain the last one. Our findings provide new insights into the morphological and electrophysiological details of the accessory pathway.