Spiral Waves and the Mechanisms of Ventricular Fibrillation

Abstract

We conclude that reentrant wavefronts are present in Wiggers' stage II VF. Interaction of the wavelets at a right angle may result in wave break and generation of new reentrant wavefronts.Probably due to the short action potential duration during VF, reentrant wavefronts are generatedeven though the stimulus is no stronger than that provided the propagating wavefront. Thecore of the reentry is excitable but remain unexcited. The characteristics of these reentrantwaevefronts are compatible with the spiral waves of excitation.