title: Evaluation of different meshing algorithms in the computation of defibrillation thresholds in children.
abstract: In this paper we evaluate different meshing schemes to solve for the bioelectric fields that arise in the human body due to the defibrillation shock generated by an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator, with particular emphasis on implantation in children. For children, the question of relative performance of different electrode locations remains open. Computational simulation is a critical tool to address this question, and mesh design is a critical component of such simulations. We use the SCIRun software package to address this simulation problem because it combines the powerful numeric tools required with interactive flexibility allowing easy comparison of both algorithms and electrode orientation. We describe a pipeline that starts with segmented CT-images and produces clinically useful parameters. Using this framework we report below that a meshing scheme using regularly spaced hexahedral elements which are locally refined around the electrodes constitute a quick and relatively accurate way of solving this problem.
authors.affiliation: Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, Cardio Vascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. jeroen@cvrti.utah.edu
authors.forename: Jeroen G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Stinstra
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jolley
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Dana H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Triedman
authors.forename: Rob S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: MacLeod
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004056:Differential Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*