Interaction Between the Respiratory and Cardiovascular System: a Simplified 0-D Mathematical Model

Introduction: Mathematical modelling of biological processes has be-come an invaluable tool to organize the experimental data obtained on macroscopic and microscopic scale. A multi-scale approach allows the integration of these mathematical models in a modular tool with the aim to monitor, predict or modify the global behaviour of a physiological system following therapeutic intervention. Methods: We have developed a simplified lumped parameter model of the human respiratory system where electrical and fluid dynamic ana-logues have been used to reproduce the behaviour of air flow through the different branches of the respiratory system. Pressure and volume of the specific region and resistance to air flow are the parameters considered. The model is based on a Windkessel-type multi-compartment approach where the respiratory system consists of three compartments, namely the rigid upper airway, the compliant region within the pleural space and the alveolar region for gas exchanges. In view of its patient-specific features, the model has the potential for personalized medical treatment. Conclusions: A lumped parameter model has been developed to study the behaviour of the human respiratory system in different regions. The model here implemented is a first step towards an integrated multi-scale model of human "physiome" where the different systems (respiratory, cardiovascular and urinary) and their interactions are described in mathematical terms in order to reproduce the physiological behaviour of the human body as a whole.