In vivo and numerical simulation studies on haemodynamic parameters and cardiopulmonary interaction

In the paper the results of clinical and simulation studies on main haemodynamic parameters were compared. Cardiac output, arterial, atrial and venous pressures were measured in vascular patients during spontaneous breathing and artificial ventilation. Computer simulator was used to model a human cardiovascular system and calculate values of haemodynamic parameters in steady states. Changing intrathoracic pressure, from negative to positive values simulated cardiopulmonary interaction during spontaneous breathing and controlled ventilation. The results of the studies presented in the paper proved that numerical simulation is a very suitable and reliable tool to predict trends of haemodynamic parameters changes. Also the potential influence of mechanical ventilatory support on these parameters may by analysed before application of less or more positive airway pressure. It is an important contribution to the safety and efficacy of ventilatory support in these patients in which high intrathoracic pressure may cause a dramatic drop of cardiac output, venous return and arterial pressure.