This letter introduces an alternative approach to modeling the cardiovascular system with a short-term control mechanism published in Computers in Biology and Medicine, Vol. 47 (2014), pp. 104-112. We recommend using abstract components on a distinct physical level, separating the model into hydraulic components, subsystems of the cardiovascular system and individual subsystems of the control mechanism and scenario. We recommend utilizing an acausal modeling feature of Modelica language, which allows model variables to be expressed declaratively. Furthermore, the Modelica tool identifies which are the dependent and independent variables upon compilation. An example of our approach is introduced on several elementary components representing the hydraulic resistance to fluid flow and the elastic response of the vessel, among others. The introduced model implementation can be more reusable and understandable for the general scientific community.
- MeSH
- Arterial Pressure physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Models, Cardiovascular * MeSH
- Computer Simulation * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Letter MeSH
- Comment MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Modelica is an object-oriented language, in which models can be created and graphically represented by connecting instances of classes from libraries. These connections are not only assignments of values; they can also represent acausal equality. Even more, they can model Kirchhoff's laws of circuits. In Modelica it is possible to develop library classes which are an analogy of electrical circuit components. The result of our work in this field is Physiolibrary (www.physiolibrary.org) – a free, open-source Modelica library for human physiology. By graphical joining instances of Physiolibrary classes, user can create models of cardiovascular circulation, thermoregulation, metabolic processes, nutrient distribution, gas transport, electrolyte regulation, water distribution, hormonal regulation and pharmacological regulation. After simple setting of the parameters, the models are ready to simulate. After simulation, the user can examine variables as their values change over time. Representing the model as a diagram has also great educational advantages, because students are able to better understand physical principles when they see them modeled graphically.
- MeSH
- Models, Biological * MeSH
- Physiology * methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Computer Graphics MeSH
- Computer Simulation MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Modeling the cardiovascular system as an analogy of an electrical circuit composed of resistors, capacitors and inductors is introduced in many research papers. This contribution uses an object oriented and acausal approach, which was recently introduced by several other authors, for educational and research purpose. Examples of several hydraulic systems and whole system modeling hemodynamics of a pulsatile cardiovascular system are presented in Modelica language using Physiolibrary.
