The Use of Multiple Models in Cardiovascular System Studies: Transport and Perturbation Methods

Computer models of the circulation, based on lumped circuit approximations, may be used for simulation studies of its pulsatile pressure, flow, and volume interrelationships. A second model, coupled to such a basis circulation model, may be devised to simulate the flow of substances carried by the blood. Such a slave, or dependent model, is based on the notion that transport flow is proportional to concentration in the slave circuit multiplied by flow in the main circuit. The combined, or multiple model, may be used in studies of dye dilution measurement schemes, or control studies related to the transport of CO 2 or O 2 .