A Multiphysics Cardiac Model Integrating Electrophysiology, Muscular Mechanics and Hemodynamics
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We present a coupled computational framework for the numerical simulation of the human heart. We couple state-of-the art models for cardiac electrophysiology, muscular force generation, cardiac mechanics and hemodynamics, in an integrated multiphysics and multiscale framework. The model includes cardiac valves with the Resistive Implicit Immersed Method, and is coupled to a dimensionally reduced model of the circulatory system. The model includes the electro-mechanical and mechano-electrical feedback, as well a the force-strain and force-velocity relationships and fluid-structure interaction (FSI). We employ a segregated-staggered numerical scheme to solve the coupled problem, leveraging the multiphysics and multiscale nature of the model. Electrophysiology, force generation, FSI and circulation are solved in a segregated way, while FSI coupling is treated monolithically for stability and efficiency. We employ finite elements for the spatial discretization of PDEs. We run simulations on a realistic human left- and whole-heart model, obtaining results in qualitative agreement with medical observations. Moreover, quantitative biomarkers obtained from the simulation fall within the normal ranges reported in the medical literature. Overall, the results indicate that the proposed model can reproduce the function of the human heart with high physical accuracy.
