ATHEROMA PROGRESSION: PHYSICAL MODELING IN EXPERIMENTAL CARDIOLOGY

Abstract

Prototype models of intra-arterial circulation is one of the priority aims of experimental cardiology, as well as for the study of atherosclerosis. Purpose: To study the features of intra-arterial hemodynamics in the area of​​atheroma of the artery in physical modeling. Materials and methods: We used an original "Device for modeling intra-arterial circulation". The main parts of the model: glass rotameter tube in the form of a truncated cylinder, inlet and outlet ends of which are fixed with elastic plastic tubes connected to an electric water pump immersed in a container with glycerol solution. Inside the rotameter, using a fitting from the inlet, it is possible to install a pressure sensor that transfers data to the oscilloscope; indicators - a silk thread or dye - ink. The variable pump mode allowed us to simulate a regular heart rhythm, extrasystole (ES) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Results: In the first post-extrasystolic wave, a turbulent fluid flow formed after the plaque, standing waves and waves reflected from the walls of the rotameter were observed; the sensor registered an increase in pressure 1,6 times more compared with a regular heart rate wave. The marginal plaque zones along and against the fluid flow, especially the areas bordering the intact part of the arterial vessel, underwent the main mechanical impact. The same patterns were observed in AF with a maximum duration of a pause between pulse waves of ≥1,5 s. Conclusions: Heart arrhythmias play an important role in the intra-arterial hemodynamics changes and are the part of the pathophysiological changes in the arteries in atherosclerosis. The main danger is not the ES itself, but by the first post-extrasystolic contraction or the first pulse wave after a long pause between ventricular contractions in AF.