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Strings, Branes and Twistons: Topological Analysis of Phase Defects in Excitable Media Such as the Heart

Louise Arno1,*, Desmond Kabus1,2,*, and Hans Dierckx1,2,†

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: h.j.f.dierckx@lumc.nl
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 128402 – Published 18 September, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/5pgp-1wj6

Abstract

Several excitable systems, such as the heart, self-organize into complex spatiotemporal patterns that involve wave collisions and rotating vortices. The dynamics between these structures are incompletely understood. Here we establish a comprehensive topological framework in three spatial dimensions. Conduction blocks are identified as phase defect surfaces, on which three types of closed curves move and carry a topological vector charge. Our framework not only sheds new light on twistons and hybrid reentry but also predicts new states: a Möbius scroll wave and conduction block surfaces that can split, branch, or contain multiple filaments. We hypothesize that the latter play a role in cardiac arrhythmias.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 128402– Published 18 September, 2025
  • Received 21 March 2025
  • Accepted 17 July 2025
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