Modeling of aortic valve dynamics in a lumped parameter model of left ventricular-arterial coupling

A lumped parameter model of the sub-system of left ventricle, aortic valve, systemic arteries, systemic capillaries and systemic veins was considered during systole. A model of aortic valve dynamics based solely on geometrical and kinematical consideration is defined. The model is described by two geometrical parameters of aortic valve and a few kinematical relationships. The proposed model mimics the incisures in the aortic flow and aortic pressure very well. We showed that the dicrotic notch could be explained by aortic valve closing in terms of a lumped parameter model, without a need for any wave reflection theory. According to the proposed model the effects of aortic valve dynamics on the aortic flow and pressure are mainly limited to the valve opening and closing periods. The model offers a new paradigm for defining a more realistic left ventricle model.