A physiologically relevant, simple outflow boundary model for truncated vasculature

Abstract

A realistic outflow boundary condition model for pulsatile flow in a compliant vessel is studied by taking into account physiological effects: compliance, resistance, and wave reflection of the downstream vasculature. The new model extends the computational domain with an elastic tube terminated in a rigid contraction. The contraction ratio, the length, and elasticity of the terminal tube can be adjusted to represent effects of the truncated vasculature. Using the wave intensity analysis method, we apply the model to the test cases of a straight vessel and the aorta and find good agreement with the physiological characteristics of blood flow and pressure. The model is suitable for cardiac transient (non-periodic) events and easily employed using so-called black box software. © 2011 Biomedical Engineering Society.