Validation of a novel atrial fibrillation model through simulated atrial pacing protocols.

We have previously reported a novel model to elucidate the effects of ventricular pacing (VP) on RR intervals during atrial fibrillation (AF). This model treats the AV junction (AVJ) as a lumped structure with defined conductivity, refractoriness and automaticity. We have shown that this model could account for various patterns of RR intervals that are consistent with experimental observations. In this study, we further validate this model by comparing its behavior with that of a real AVJ obtained in isolated rat heart preparation, through application of programmed atrial pacing protocols. We demonstrate that the AV conduction time and ventricular response of the present model are consistent with experimental findings, thus providing additional evidence to support the validity of our model.