A compact multi-functional model of the rabbit atrioventricular node with dual pathways

Abstract

The atrioventricular node (AVN) is considered a “black box”, and the functioning of its dual pathways remains controversial and not fully understood. In contrast to numerous clinical studies, there are only a few mathematical models of the node. In this paper, we present a compact, computationally lightweight multi-functional rabbit AVN model based on the Aliev-Panfilov two-variable cardiac cell model. The one-dimensional AVN model includes fast (FP) and slow (SP) pathways, primary pacemaking in the sinoatrial node, and subsidiary pacemaking in the SP. To obtain the direction-dependent conduction properties of the AVN, together with gradients of intercellular coupling and cell refractoriness, we implemented the asymmetry of coupling between model cells. We hypothesized that the asymmetry can reflect some effects related to the complexity of the real 3D structure of AVN. In addition, the model is accompanied by a visualization of electrical conduction in the AVN, revealing the interaction between SP and FP in the form of ladder diagrams. The AVN model demonstrates broad functionality, including normal sinus rhythm, AVN automaticity, filtering of high-rate atrial rhythms during atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter with Wenckebach periodicity, direction-dependent properties, and realistic anterograde and retrograde conduction curves in the control case and the cases of FP and SP ablation. To show the validity of the proposed model, we compare the simulation results with the available experimental data. Despite its simplicity, the proposed model can be used both as a stand-alone module and as a part of complex three-dimensional atrial or whole heart simulation systems, and can help to understand some puzzling functions of AVN.