Finite element analysis on the relationship between left ventricular pump function and fiber structure within the wall

Abstract

In this study, a 3D finite element based simulation program incorporating the propagation of excitation and excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms developed by us was modified to reproduce the more realistic ventricular wall structure. FE model of LV consists of six layers of muscle bundles and the fiber direction of the inner-most layer was longitudinal. Although the detailed modeling did not influence the global pump function of the LV appreciably, we could successfully identify the functional significance of longitudinal fibers as pointed out by clinical observations. Furthermore, we also changed the heart structure drastically to elucidate the functional significance of the fiber structure. The results suggest that the double-helical structure the heart has developed through the evolutionary process can be an optimal design for a blood pump.