Geometrical multiscale model of an idealized left ventricle with fluid-structure interaction effects coupled to a one-dimensional viscoelastic arterial network

A geometrical multiscale model for blood flow through an ideal left ventricle and the main arteries is presented. The blood flow in the three-dimensional idealized left ventricle is solved through a monolithic fluid-structure interaction solver. To account for the interaction between the heart and the circulatory system the heart flow is coupled through an ideal valve with a network of viscoelastic one-dimensional models representing the arterial network. The geometrical multiscale approach used in this work is based on the exchange of averaged/integrated quantities between the fluid problems. The peripheral circulation is modelled by zero-dimensional windkessel terminals. We demonstrate that the geometrical multiscale model is (i) highly modular in that component models can be easily replaced with higher-fidelity ones whenever the user has a specific interest in modelling a particular part of the system, (ii) passive in that it reaches a stable limit cycle of flow rate and pressure in a few heartbeat cycles when driven by a periodic force acting on the epicardium, and (iii) capable of operating at physiological regimes.