Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Thomas Estrada, Sophomore Jayla Edwards
Lead Presenter's Name
Thomas Estrada
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Xuejian Li
Abstract
Title: Simulating Pacemakers and Heartbeat Recovery Through Mathematical Modeling ย This study utilizes the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model to simulate cardiac electrical activity and the regulatory role of pacemakers through ordinary differential equations (ODEs). By defining the rate of change for membrane voltage, ๐๐ฃ/dt, and a recovery variable, ๐๐ค/dt, the model captures the heart's excitability and resting states. Central to the analysis is the stimulus current parameter, which represents the "kick" provided by a pacemaker to correct flatline conditions or weak heartbeats. Using Eulerโs method for numerical integration, the research compares unstable cardiac rhythms against corrected periodic oscillations. Additionally, the project implements vector fields to illustrate the gradient of membrane voltage and electrical conductivity across heart tissue. These simulations demonstrate how mathematical parameters-such as time-scale separation and stimulus intensity-dictate the stability and functional recovery of the heart. The significance of this research lies in its contributions to the field of preventative medicine. This project demonstrates how simulations based on mathematical models can be used to tailor pacemaker settings to meet the specific needs of a patient based on their cardiac conductivity, providing a vital source of risk-free testing of heart stimulation.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation Commons, Cardiology Commons, Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Dynamics Commons
Simulating Pacemakers and Heartbeat Recovery Through Mathematical Modeling
Title: Simulating Pacemakers and Heartbeat Recovery Through Mathematical Modeling ย This study utilizes the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model to simulate cardiac electrical activity and the regulatory role of pacemakers through ordinary differential equations (ODEs). By defining the rate of change for membrane voltage, ๐๐ฃ/dt, and a recovery variable, ๐๐ค/dt, the model captures the heart's excitability and resting states. Central to the analysis is the stimulus current parameter, which represents the "kick" provided by a pacemaker to correct flatline conditions or weak heartbeats. Using Eulerโs method for numerical integration, the research compares unstable cardiac rhythms against corrected periodic oscillations. Additionally, the project implements vector fields to illustrate the gradient of membrane voltage and electrical conductivity across heart tissue. These simulations demonstrate how mathematical parameters-such as time-scale separation and stimulus intensity-dictate the stability and functional recovery of the heart. The significance of this research lies in its contributions to the field of preventative medicine. This project demonstrates how simulations based on mathematical models can be used to tailor pacemaker settings to meet the specific needs of a patient based on their cardiac conductivity, providing a vital source of risk-free testing of heart stimulation.