Three-dimensional Model of Gastric Pacemaking Using Finite-elements and Stochastically Coupled Oscillators

In this paper we develop preliminary simplified mathematical models of the tissue level that can produce slow wave propagation phenomenon in a realistically shaped deformable structure with both electro-mechanical and mechano-electric feedbacks which would enable us to study effects of ICC-SMC coupling. First we develop the computational models which can account for heterogeneous phase shifts between ICC cells in the pacemaking network. These heterogeneities can be exaggerated in pathological conditions such as gastroparesis and thus, the computational models must account for them in order to be useful in clinical applications. Using this model we construct three-dimensional finite-element model in which the electrical activities is modelled using coupled oscillators and demonstrated the ability of our model to simulate gastric activation on a realistic geometry obtained from MRI images.