Modeling Cardiac Stimulation by a Pacemaker, with Accurate Tissue-Electrode Interface

Abstract

International audienceAn implantable pacemaker aims to restore a cardiac beat when the intrisic conduction system fails. It sends energy to the heart in the form of a voltage pulse and it is programmed to deliver enough energy to trigger a cardiac depolarization (which is called capture). We present a 0D model of a cardiac pacemaker with a cardiac tissue. We take into account electrochemical phenomena observed during pacing, like electrode polarization. To validate it, we compare numerical results with ex-vivo experimental data of stimulation threshold detection