A bio-inspired approach for the reduction of left ventricular workload.
Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of optimization criteria in the design and development of mammalians cardiovascular systems. Similarities in mammalian arterial wave reflection suggest there are certain design criteria for the optimization of arterial wave dynamics. Inspired by these natural optimization criteria, we investigated the feasibility of optimizing the aortic waves by modifying wave reflection sites. A hydraulic model that has physical and dynamical properties similar to a human aorta and left ventricle was used for a series of in-vitro experiments. The results indicate that placing an artificial reflection site (a ring) at a specific location along the aorta may create a constructive wave dynamic that could reduce LV pulsatile workload. This simple bio-inspired approach may have important implications for the future of treatment strategies for diseased aorta.
Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering & Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America.
Niema M
NM
Pahlevan
Graduate Aerospace Laboratories, Division of Engineering & Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America.
Morteza
M
Gharib
D001011:Aorta / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D062906:Cardiac Catheters; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left