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Abstract

This thesis describes the origins and developments of a novel design for the computer modelling of the human cardiovascular system. With this design, complex models of the cardiovascular system can be completely represented in a relational database. A simulation program then scans the database and produces a numerical and graphical simulation.

The validation of the approach is divided into two sections. The first is verification using a large complex 19-segment model developed by Beneken and De Wit (1967), which was then used by Pullen (1976) and Leaning et al. (1983). The model consists of circulatory dynamics together with its neural control. Various tests on the parameter values and overall results were checked against the results reported by Pullen (1976) and Leaning et al. (1983). Secondly, the approach has been validated, and the approach shown to be usable by an independent clinician in Norway who has built a small model using this novel design and checked the results. Finally the hepatic and splenic circulations were added to the above 19-segment model to form a 23- segment model, to illustrate the ease with which a model can be extended, thus further highlighting the validity of this novel design.

This new approach places emphasis on model building rather than Programming skills or implementation. The advantages are that the generic equations are applicable to most cardiovascular models and therefore the Parameter values, initial conditions and other quantitative data are explicit and thus could be changed in the relational database. Also the structure of model can be easily changed. The user does not need to change the simulation Program which is universal.

The approach focuses on the particular area of cardiovascular Physiology, but it has applicability to complex dynamics in general.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Computer Science School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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