Values of the model parameters.

<p>Values of the model parameters.</p

Cardiovascular system model.

<p>The seven model chambers are represented as circles, joined by flow resistances. Valves (modeled as diodes) are also found at the input and output of each ventricle.</p

Interconnection of the models with inputs and outputs of each model.

<p>Interconnection of the models with inputs and outputs of each model.</p

Comparison of experimental and simulated measurements before and after IVCO.

<p>Comparison of experimental and simulated measurements before and after IVCO.</p

Simulated flow through the mitral valve during one cardiac cycle.

<p>Letters E and A denote the two characteristic waves of the mitral flow.</p

Indices used to assess the influence of IVCO experiments.

<p>Left atrial pressure is depicted in full line and left ventricular pressure is drawn in dashed line. The indices are: maximum a (<i>point C</i>) and v wave pressure (<i>point F</i>), minimum (<i>point A</i>) and end-diastolic (<i>point E</i>) ventricular pressures, slopes of the a (<i>dotted line BC</i>) and v (<i>dotted line DF</i>) waves and maximum transmitral pressure gradients during early (<i>left double arrow</i>) and late (<i>right double arrow</i>) ventricular filling.</p

Evolution of simulated left atrial, left ventricular and aortic pressures during a cardiac cycle.

<p><i>Solid line</i>: LA pressure, <i>dashed line</i>: LV pressure, <i>white dots</i>: aortic pressure. Opening and closing times of the mitral (MVO and MVC) and aortic valves (AVO and AVC) are also displayed. These events separate the four phases of the cardiac cycle: filling, contraction, ejection and relaxation.</p

Model variables.

<p>Model variables.</p

Simulated left atrial pressure-volume loop.

<p>This loop is composed of two distinct lobes: the “a” loop and the “v” loop.</p

Simulated left atrial pressure and volume during one cardiac cycle.

<p>Simulated left atrial pressure and volume during one cardiac cycle.</p