Incremental network analogue model of the coronary artery

Abstract

From Newton's equation and the continuity equation, an equivalent analogue circuit model can be derived for each small segment of the coronary arteries. Sapoznikov divided the coronary artery tree into 116 segments. By replacing each segment with its analogue circuit model, a final incremental network model was derived. The model was tested using typical physical parameters under normal conditions, as well as in the presence of coronary artery stenosis. In the case of stenosis, the arteriolar flow with and without autoregulation were compared. The model shows good agreement with the reported effects of stenoses and heart rate on coronary blood flow.