MODELING OF INTRA-ARTERIAL CIRCULATION: APPLICATION IN EXPERIMENTAL CARDIOLOGY

Aim of our investigation is to evaluate the use of the device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation and substantiate the possibility of its use in experimental cardiology. Materials and methods. The principle part of the model is the cone-shaped narrowed glass cylinder 365 mm long with an inlet diameter of 20 mm, an outlet diameter of 16,5 mm. Two-way fitting with a rubber valve is screwed from the input side. Flexible silicone tubes are attached to both sides of the cylinder, with the other end attached to an electric water pump. The water pump is connected with 12 Volt battery. In one of the outer corners, we insert a needle for introducing dyes (clerical ink) and a silk thread through the fitting valve into the glass tube. We filled the closed circuit with an aqueous solution of glycerin, the viscosity of which was similar to the blood. The water pump provides continuous or intermittent circulation of the glycerin solution in a closed system. We observed the thread movements and turbulent flow colored by the ink during the spread of the pulse waves. Results. We simulated the pulse waves occurring in the regular heart rhythm, as well as arrhythmias. When simulating the extrasystoles, we observed a turbulent fluid flow during the spread of the 1st postextrasystolic wave behind the installed diaphragm. With the spreading of the 1st post-extrasystolic wave, the pressure level inside the tube is increased in comparison with the regular rhythm. Conclusion. Device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation is simple and reliable in its construction. It imitates the intra-arterial processes in different hemodynamic situations, such as regular heart rhythm, arrhythmias, and atherosclerotic plaques. It can be used in the wide spectrum of experimental works in cardiology, vascular surgery, physiology, pathophysiology, biophysics.