Model Human Heart Shape Variation During Cardiac Cycle

Describes time variation of epicardial surface in spherical coordinates.

A computer model has been developed that provides a realistic description of the variation of the human heart surface shape during a single cardiac cycle. The model is proposed for investigations in the field of biomedical engineering, where computer simulation is necessary.

A MATLAB spline function comprising the formal description of the process is delivered. Variation of heart surface is presented using spherical coordinates and time: R =R (j, q, t). The origin is located in the centre of the aortic valve.

The model of heart surface variation was composed on the basis of a set of real time MRI images, applying also physiological knowledge. The initial MRI data for the model was obtained from the "Welcome to Physiological Imaging" web site at http://everest.radiology.uiowa.edu and used with permission of Dr. Eric A. Hoffman, Ph.D., Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

A MATLAB spline function R =R(j, q, t) that includes description of continuous variation of the heart shape during the cardiac cycle was used as the tool for calculating of the of ventricular, atrial and total heart volumes.

The modeled heart surface is closed and smooth. It omits connections to the great blood vessels and inner structure of the heart. Motion of heart in the thorax due to breathing is not described.

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