Purpose of Research
Since about 100 years ago, many theoretical and experimental studies have suggested that rotor (a.k.a. 2-dimensional spiral wave reentry/3-d scroll wave) rotating around a functional obstacle, like hurricane and tornado, is the major mechanisms of cardiac fibirillation. Our objectives are first to explore spiral wave dynamics specifically in remodeled atria of chronic atrial fibrillation using high resolution optical mapping system and computer simulation; and second to examine how radio-frequency ablation of spiral wave effectively terminates and prevents cardiac fibrillation.