A comprehensive cardiopulmonary simulation model for the analysis of hypercapnic respiratory failure

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2009:2009:5474-7. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5334567.

Abstract

We developed a new comprehensive cardiopulmonary model that takes into account the mutual interactions between the cardiovascular and the respiratory systems along with their short-term regulatory mechanisms. The model includes the heart, systemic and pulmonary circulations, lung mechanics, gas exchange and transport equations, and cardio-ventilatory control. Results show good agreement with published patient data in case of normoxic and hyperoxic hypercapnia simulations. In particular, simulations predict a moderate increase in mean systemic arterial pressure and heart rate, with almost no change in cardiac output, paralleled by a relevant increase in minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory rate. The model can represent a valid tool for clinical practice and medical research, providing an alternative way to experience-based clinical decisions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Computer Simulation
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hypercapnia / complications
  • Hypercapnia / physiopathology*
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / physiopathology*