Human circulatory system model based on Frank's mechanism.

ABSTRACT

A new analytical model of the left ventricle as a pump, developed from isolated canine experiments, was adapted to describe each of the four heart chambers in a complete human circulatory system model. Each chamber is embodied as a volume and time dependent isovolumic pressure source, after Otto Frank's classic experiments. Analytical results show that a small set of equations is sufficient to describe the main features of the heart as a pump, including isovolumic and ejecting beats for a wide range of ventricular and circulation conditions. This model allows interactive teaching of cardiovascular system dynamics. Computed results demonstrate that, with additional experiments, a quantitative description of the human circulation for research purposes may emerge from this approach.