Difficulties in the Further Development of Venous Hemodynamics

The validity of hemodynamic theories developed for the arterial tree is examined with respect to their applicability to the venous system. The Navier-Stokes and continuity equations are given and the assumptions (in terms of these equations) found useful and justifiable for arterial theories are briefly described. The validity of these assumptions with respect to the venous system is considered. The significance of the dissimilarities in terms of computer simulation (analog and digital) is discussed. It is concluded that in regions which do not collapse much of the theory developed for the arterial system is applicable; in those regions which do collapse, theories based on the nonlinear Navier-Stokes equation should be considered.