iMyocyte: A Web-Based Cellular Automata Platform for Real-Time Demonstration of Cardiac Reentry

Abstract

Cardiac arrhythmias arise from excitable-media dynamics that are often challenging to teach and visualize in real time. To address this, we developed iMyocyte, an interactive web-based platform for real-time demonstration of excitation wave propagation, conduction block, and reentry dynamics using a simplified cellular automaton model (i.e., a network of discrete cells that change state based on neighbouring cells). In iMyocyte, a network is built from student devices, each representing a model cell coupled to its neighbours to propagate excitation. Unlike traditional teaching materials, iMyocyte lets students manipulate key model parameters and immediately observe how these shape wave dynamics and reentry conditions. Pilot classroom deployments with undergraduate life science students at McGill University indicate high engagement and suggest improved conceptual clarity, motivating future work to improve the platforms usability, robustness, and visualization features, and to conduct formal learning assessment.