Model of arterial tree and peripheral control for the study of physiological and assisted circulation

Peripheral vasomotion, interstitial liquid exchange, and cardiovascular system behaviour are investigated by means of a lumped parameter model of the systemic and peripheral circulation, from the aortic valve to the venules. odelling work aims at combining arterial tree hemodynamics description, active peripheral flow regulation, and fluid exchange. terial compartment is constructed with 63 RCL segments and 30 peripheral districts including myogenic control on arterioles, metabolic control on venules, and Starling filtration through capillary membrane. terial behaviour is characterised as to the long term stability of pressure/flow waves in the different segments. eral districts show autoregulatory capabilities against pressure changes over a wide range and also self-sustained oscillations mimicking vasomotor activity. iminary study was carried out as to the model response to changes induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). the induced alterations, the system responds mainly to hemodilution, which increased peripheral fluid loss and oedema beyond the compensatory capabilities of local regulation mechanisms. This resulted in an overall increase total arterial resistance. transport deficits were assessed for each district according to the different metabolic demand. tudy shows the requirement of a suitable description of both arteries and peripheral mechanisms in order to describe cardiovascular response non-physiological conditions, as well as assisted circulation or other pathological conditions.