A multi-scale computational method applied to the quantitative evaluation of the left ventricular function.

A multi-scale computational method, which combines a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system (CVS) with a three-dimensional (3D) left ventricle (LV) hemodynamic solver, is developed for quantitatively evaluating the LV function. The parameter model allows reasonable predictions of the cardiac variables in a closed-loop manner under both normal and various pathological conditions. On the basis of the parameter-model-predicted results, 3D hemodynamic computations further provide quantitative insights into the detailed intraventricular flow patterns. Based on a series of computations, it is demonstrated that the pathological change in the shape and size of the LV has a significant effect on the LV pumping performance.