Restabilization of spiral waves and suppression of Doppler and Eckhaus instabilities by circularly polarized electric fields

The onset of fibrillation is closely associated with the instability of spiral waves in cardiac tissue. Understanding the interaction between spiral wave instabilities, system properties, and control mechanisms has been a key research focus. In this study, a reaction-diffusion model is used to demonstrate that both Doppler and Eckhaus instabilities of spiral waves can be suppressed and restabilized through the application of circularly polarized electric fields (CPEF). Numerical simulations show that early intervention with CPEF, before the onset of these instabilities, significantly enhances the suppression of spiral wave progression into spatiotemporal chaos. The intensity, frequency and timing of CPEF application are crucial factors in determining the success of control. Compared to direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electric fields, the unique rotating characteristics of CPEF proves to be particularly effective in stabilizing spiral waves, offering a potential mechanism for suppressing Doppler and Eckhaus instabilities. These findings could have potential implications for clinical strategies in managing cardiac arrhythmias.