Hybrid deformation model of myocardium

Computer models of the heart lead to a better understanding of the physiological and physical processes underlying each heart beat. Various models exist for simulating electrophysiology, excitation propagation, force development and deformation. Simulations can be used to support medical doctors in diagnostics, surgery planning and serve educational purposes. This work focuses on simulating mechanical aspects of a heart. Simulations with electrophysiological, excitation propagation and force development models were carried out. Force development was utilized as input to the mechanical model. A hybrid myocardial deformation model is introduced merging a spring mass system and a continuum mechanical model. Simulations with simple geometries and fiber orientation were conducted to display the models capabilities. Detailed analysis of the deformations of a patch yielded the expected behavior.