Development of a mathematical model of the human circulatory system

A mathematical lumped parameter model of the human circulatory system (HCS) has been developed to complement in vitro testing of ventricular assist devices. Components included in this model represent the major parts of the systemic HCS loop, with all component parameters based on physiological data available in the literature. Two model configurations are presented in this paper, the first featuring elements with purely linear constitutive relations, and the second featuring nonlinear constitutive relations for the larger vessels. Three different aortic compliance functions are presented, and a pressure-dependent venous flow resistance is used to simulate venous collapse. The mathematical model produces reasonable systemic pressure and flow behaviour, and graphs of this data are included.