3-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF THE CARDIAC SYSTEM

An integrated approach to modeling the cardiac system is described and related to physiological measurements and other model approaches. The model is composed of a number of parts that will ultimately be used as a tool to study the various functions of the cardiac system. The 3-D geometry of the LV is reconstructed by using a helical coordinate system which provides a quantitative tool for shape description and analysis. Analysis of the regular geometry may be achieved using either the analytical helical system or a finite element technique. A simplified geometry is used to study the physiological interrelationship between the global ventricular function and the transmural temporal distribution of parameters which relate to mechanics, perfusion, energetics, and temperature in the myocardium. Transmural electrical activation maps are calculated based on analytical as well as a finite-element approach, eventually to be used in combination with the mechanical model to study LV contraction. The approach taken represents a step towards the quantification of physiological measurements and the development of a cardiac simulator combining the major physiologic features of the cardiac function.