Simulation of late potentials using a computerized three dimensional model of the heart's ventricles with fractal conduction system

A three-dimensional model of the ventricles with a self-similar (fractal) conduction system is introduced to generate high-temporal-resolution QRS signals. The signals are obtained under normal and various damaged conditions. The obtained signals are 60-200 Hz bandpass filtered, and two parameters which have been used as markers for the presence of late potential activity are measured: (1) the filtered QRS duration and (2) the root-mean-square voltage of the last 40 ms. The effects of the ventricular conditions on the two parameters are described. It is demonstrated that the late potential activity can be attributed to a regional reduction in propagation velocity but that this is not a sufficient condition for their detection. >