Coupling multi-physics models to cardiac mechanics

• Published in: Progress in biophysics and molecular biology Vol. 104; no. 1; pp. 77 - 88
• Main Authors: Nordsletten, D.A., Niederer, S.A., Nash, M.P., Hunter, P.J., Smith, N.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 2011
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena; Cardiac mechanics; Coronary Circulation - physiology; Coronary Vessels - physiology; Forecasting; Hemodynamics - physiology; Humans; Large deformation mechanics; Models, Cardiovascular; Multi-physics modelling; Myocardial Contraction - physiology; Ventricular Function - physiology; Large deformation mechanics; Multi-physics modelling; Cardiac mechanics
• ISSN: 0079-6107; 1873-1732
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2009.11.001

We outline and review the mathematical framework for representing mechanical deformation and contraction of the cardiac ventricles, and how this behaviour integrates with other processes crucial for understanding and modelling heart function. Building on general conservation principles of space, mass and momentum, we introduce an arbitrary Eulerian–Lagrangian framework governing the behaviour of both fluid and solid components. Exploiting the natural alignment of cardiac mechanical properties with the tissue microstructure, finite deformation measures and myocardial constitutive relations are referred to embedded structural axes. Coupling approaches for solving this large deformation mechanics framework with three dimensional fluid flow, coronary hemodynamics and electrical activation are described. We also discuss the potential of cardiac mechanics modelling for clinical applications.