Multiscale analysis of cardiac mechanics influence on pulse wave propagation in viscoelastic arterial networks

In this research, we integrate cardiac mechanics with a systemic arterial network to study the influence of ventricular-arterial coupling on pulse wave propagation. A reduced-order model of the left ventricle is used, which includes essential tissue mechanics components such as torsional motion, base-to-apex shortening, and circumferential wall deformation. To simulate pulse wave propagation in the arterial network, a reduced-order form of the Navier-Stokes equations is used with an area-velocity formulation, and the arterial wall is described as viscoelastic using the Zener model. A novel, high-order path-conservative finite volume scheme is utilised to solve non-conservative hyperbolic partial differential equations in a well-balanced and positivity-preserving manner. To increase spatial precision, a nonlinear weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme is used, and temporal integration is done using an efficient multiderivative implicit-explicit (IMEX) technique. A positivity-preserving flux is used to assure numerical stability and a positive cross-sectional area during the simulation. We investigate the effects of left ventricle fiber orientation, active stress, and viscous stress on hemodynamic responses in a 55-arterial network. These parametric simulations show that there are considerable effects on the distributions of pressure and flow rate within the complex network. The suggested reduced-order simulations are computationally efficient, yielding accurate predictions at a low computational cost.