A one-dimensional model for blood flow in prestressed vessels

We are interested in developing a simple model to investigate blood-vessel interactions in a finite arterial segment of the cardiovascular tree. For this purpose, we developed a continuum model for a vascular segment, and we coupled it with a discrete model for the remaining systemic circulation. In working out the modeling, we addressed some main issues, such as the nonlinearity of blood flow, the compliance of the vessel and the prestress state of the artery walls, that is always present aside from the filling of blood. Moreover, we set a discrete model capable of providing appropriate boundary conditions to the continuum model, by reproducing the proper waveforms entering the vessel and avoiding spurious reflections.