New versatile physical model fitting the systemic circulation accurately

A physical model is developed for the simulation of the left heart and systemic circulation. The simulator includes a transparent and compliant ventricle pumping into an arterial model. The ability of the system to reproduce thein vivo conditions accurately is demonstrated by quantitative comjcarisons with physiological pressure and flow waveforms. As an example of application, flow patterns within the ventricle obtained by visualisation techniques and ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry are presented. Its versatility makes the system an essential tool in cardiovascular flow dynamics.