Deformation simulation in an elastomechanical ventricular model

The heart's pumping function is dependent on the vitality of the heart muscle, which is mostly composed of contractile cells, so-called myocytes. The orientation of these myocytes throughout the muscle results in a unique profile of contraction allowing the pumping process to be possible. Knowledge of arrangement and physiological properties of these cells permits the creation of realistic computer models. Simulations with computer models can be used e. g. for pre-interventional planning and for educational purposes. The utilized elastomechanical model is based on a spring mass system enhanced by continuum mechanics based methods. A truncated ellipsoid is chosen to represent a ventricle. Three simulation scenarios were chosen, in which parameters varied to simulate behavior of normal dilated, and necrotic tissue. The results of these three studies are discussed with focus on change of inner ventricular volume, tissue volume, and suitability of the elastomechanical ventricular model for pathologic tissue modeling. As deformation results show, the presented model is able to reconstruct pathologic and nonpathologic mechanical properties of myocardium.