Kinematic, Dynamic, and Energy Characteristics of Diastolic Flow in the Left Ventricle

Blood flow characteristics in the normal left ventricle are studied by using the magnetic resonance imaging, the Navier-Stokes equations, and the work-energy equation. Vortices produced during the mitral valve opening and closing are modeled in a two-dimensional analysis and correlated with temporal variations of the Reynolds number and pressure drop. Low shear stress and net pressures on the mitral valve are obtained for flow acceleration and deceleration. Bernoulli energy flux delivered to blood from ventricular dilation is practically balanced by the energy influx and the rate change of kinetic energy in the ventricle. The rates of work done by shear and energy dissipation are small. The dynamic and energy characteristics of the 2D results are comparable to those of a 3D model

Fluid Dynamic Characteristics of Systolic Blood Flow of the Left Ventricle

Ejection of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta is studied using two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, the work-energy equation and the magnetic resonance imaging of a normal ventricular motion. Vortex shedding in the sinuses of Valsalva is dominated by the aortic jet, flow acceleration and valve motion. Momentums produced by ventricular contraction are in concert with vortices in the ventricle for blood ejection. Shear stresses and net pressures on the aortic valve are calculated during valve opening and closing. The rate of work done by shear and the energy dissipation in the ventricle are small. The Bernoulli energy flux delivered to blood from ventricular contraction is practically balanced by energy flux at the aortic root and the rate change of kinetic energy in the ventricle.ASTAR (Agency for Sci., Tech. and Research, S’pore)Accepted versio

SPECIAL DEDICATION TO PROFESSOR S. CHIEN ON BEING AWARDED THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF SCIENCE (USA)

Professor Dr. Shu Chien has been engaged in biomedical research for over half a century. He is without doubt one of the pioneers of the field of hemo - rheology and one of the most prolific and important bioengineering researchers in the world. Cur- rently he is Professor of Bio-Engineering at one of the leading research departments in the world- the Bioengineering Department at the Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of California at San Diego, home to the legendary \u201cfather of biomechanics\u201d, Professor Y. C. Fung. He was also President of the Biomedical Engineer- ing Society in 2006\u20132008. Professor Chien has made immense contributions to our understanding of the rheology of blood, red-cell elasticity, capillary viscosity, ery- throcyte membrane mechanics and leukocyte biofluid dynamics