Upcoming Talk to Explore Computational Simulation of Cardiac Ablation

KU post-doctoral researcher Sumit Kumar will explore new computational approaches to cardiac ablation during an upcoming talk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in Nichols Hall (Executive Conference Room – Rm. 246) at the University of Kansas. Lunch will be provided.

The talk, “An Image-Based, High-Order Finite Element Framework for Computational Simulation of Cardiac Ablation,” will examine a computational framework designed to simulate electro-thermal cardiac ablation, a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is an irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart and can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

The presentation will focus on two components of the framework. The first reconstructs cardiac anatomy from segmented MRI data, creating a highly accurate high-order mesh that represents the heart’s anatomy. The second uses a high-order finite element solver to simulate the electrical and thermal processes that occur during cardiac ablation, including electrical energy deposition, heat transfer, blood perfusion and cooling.

Results from the framework are reported to be in good agreement with simulations produced using COMSOL. The approach could provide a foundation for high-fidelity, patient-specific simulations to support treatment planning for individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.