Abstract
Arterial rupture in horses has been observed during exercise, after phenylephrine administration or during parturition (uterine artery). In human pathophysiological research, the use of computer models for studying arterial hemodynamics and understanding normal and abnormal characteristics of arterial pressure and flow waveforms is very common. The objective of this research was to develop a computer model of the equine arterial circulation, in order to study local intra-arterial pressures and flow dynamics in horses. Morphologically, large differences exist between human and equine aortic arch and arterial branching patterns. Development of the present model was based on post-mortem obtained anatomical data of the arterial tree (arterial lengths, diameters and branching angles); in vivo collected ultrasonographic flow profiles from the common carotid artery, external iliac artery, median artery and aorta; and invasively collected pressure curves from carotid artery and aorta. These data were used as input for a previously validated (in humans) 1D arterial network model. Data on terminal resistance and arterial compliance parameters were tuned to equine physiology. Given the large arterial diameters, Womersley theory was used to compute friction coefficients, and the input into the arterial system was provided via a scaled time-varying elastance model of the left heart. Outcomes showed plausible predictions of pressure and flow waveforms throughout the considered arterial tree. Simulated flow waveform morphology was in line with measured flow profiles. Consideration of gravity further improved model based predicted waveforms. Derived flow waveform patterns could be explained using wave power analysis. The model offers possibilities as a research tool to predict changes in flow profiles and local pressures as a result of strenuous exercise or altered arterial wall properties related to age, breed or gender.
Highlights
A wide range of one dimensional (1D) computer models of the human arterial circulation is available
Cardiac output was reduced to 30 L/min, with an ejection fraction of 59% and a stroke volume of 740 ml, whereas systolic/diastolic pressure increased to 131/88 mmHg, resulting in an almost unaltered pulse pressure of 43 mmHg and an increased mean arterial pressure of 111 mmHg
The present study aimed to develop a 1D computer model for the equine arterial circulation comprising all major vessels of the arterial tree
Summary
A wide range of one dimensional (1D) computer models of the human arterial circulation is available Such models allow the computation of pressure and flow waveforms throughout the whole arterial network, and allow researchers to study the normal and abnormal physiology of the cardiovascular system, without the need of in vivo measurements [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. 1D models are well-balanced between complexity and computation costs, making them relevant for many (bio)medical applications Due to their capability of involving extensive arterial segments, 1D models can provide useful information about characteristics of blood flow at the level of individual branches or even in patient-specific situations [8, 9]. Because of large differences between human and equine arteries regarding dimensions and branching patterns, especially of the aortic arch, a horse specific 1D model of the arterial circulation is needed
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