Open AccessBlood flow in venules: A mathematical model including valves inertia
Author(s) -
Matteo Cardini,
Angiolo Farína,
Antonio Fasano,
Alberto Caggiati
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
veins and lymphatics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2279-7483
DOI - 10.4081/vl.2019.7946
Subject(s) - backflow , inertia , mechanics , medicine , blood flow , flow (mathematics) , venule , venous return curve , pulse (music) , hemodynamics , physics , microcirculation , classical mechanics , cardiology , mechanical engineering , engineering , optics , detector , inlet
It is well known that venules equipped with valves play a critical role in regulating blood flow. Essentially they are peristaltic pumps that increase the efficiency of venous blood return to the heart, thanks to the presence of valves preventing backflow. Inspired by two recent papers, we have modeled the venule as a vessel with valves placed at its ends and walls animated by radial oscillations that are independent of heart pulsation and respiratory rhythm. Differently from the previous papers, the present model takes into account the valves inertia allowing, for progressive closing/opening stages. The numerical simulations produce a pressure pulse and a velocity profile which agree almost perfectly with the experimental data of Dongaonkar et al., eliminating the discrepancies found in Farina et al., arising from the hypothesis that valves act instantaneously.