Lumped parameter and one-dimensional models of the cardiovascular system generally employ ideal cardiac and/or venous valves that open and close instantaneously. However, under normal or pathological conditions, valves can exhibit complex motions that are mainly determined by the instantaneous difference between upstream and downstream pressures. We present a simple valve model that predicts valve motion on the basis of this pressure difference, and can be used to investigate not only valve pathology, but a wide range of cardiac and vascular factors that are likely to influence valve motion.
Keywords: aortic valve; mitral valve; pulmonary hypertension; pulmonary valve; regurgitation; stenosis; tricuspid valve; venous valve.
Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.