Simulating transient ventricular interaction using a minimal cardiovascular system model.

A minimal closed-loop cardiovascular system (CVS) model has been developed that can simulate ventricular interaction due to both direct interaction through the septum and series interaction through the circulation system. The model is used to simulate canine experiments carried out to study the transient response of the left ventricle due to changes in right ventricle pressures and volumes. The model-simulated trends in left and right ventricle pressures and volumes, septum deflection and arterial flow rates are compared with the experimental results. In spite of the limited physiological data available describing the animals, the model is shown to capture all the transient trends in the experimental data. This is the first known example of a physiological model that can capture all these trends. The model is then used to illustrate the separate effects of direct and series interactions independently. This study proves the value of this modelling method to be used in conjunction with experimental data for delineating and understanding the factors that contribute to ventricular dynamics.