Aron, MarcelMarcelAronLilienkamp, ThomasThomasLilienkampLuther, StefanStefanLutherParlitz, UlrichUlrichParlitz2023-09-032023-09-032023https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/132146Sequences of low-energy electrical pulses can effectively terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF) and avoid the side effects of conventional high-energy electrical defibrillation shocks, including tissue damage, traumatic pain, and worsening of prognosis. However, the systematic optimisation of sequences of low-energy pulses remains a major challenge. Using 2D simulations of homogeneous cardiac tissue and a genetic algorithm, we demonstrate the optimisation of sequences with non-uniform pulse energies and time intervals between consecutive pulses for efficient VF termination. We further identify model-dependent reductions of total pacing energy ranging from ∼ 4% to ∼ 80% compared to reference adaptive-deceleration pacing (ADP) protocols of equal success rate (100%).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/journal_article10.3389/fnetp.2023.1172454