On the electrophysiology of the atrial fast conduction system: an uncertain quantification study

Cardiac modeling entails the epistemic uncertainty of input parameters, such as bundles and chambers geometry, electrical conductivities cell thus calling for an quantification (UQ) analysis. Since cardiac activation subsequent muscular contraction is provided by a complex electrophysiology system made interconnected conductive media, we focus here on fast conductivity structures atria (internodal pathways) with aim identifying which uncertain inputs mostly influence propagation depolarization front. Firstly, distributions parameters are calibrated using data available from literature taking into account gender differences. The output quantities interest (QoIs) medical relevance defined set metamodels (one each QoI) then trained according to polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) in order run global sensitivity analysis non-linear variance-based Sobol’ indices confidence intervals evaluated through bootstrap method. most sensitive QoI identified both genders showing same importance model activation. Lastly, probability QoIs obtained forward metamodels. It results that several parameters—including position internodal pathways impulse applied at sinoatrial node—have little studied. Vice-versa atrial conduction geometry need be carefully measured or accurate predictive. Graphic Abstract