Toward Determining a Dynamic Impedance Boundary Condition

Computational modeling can be used to increase the understanding of fluid dynamics and offer predictive capabilities when used in vascular surgery planning. An important consideration for studies including the pulmonary vasculature is the impact of pulmonary impedance due to respiration and vessel compliance [1]. Currently, the outlet boundary conditions for this type of model consist of a flow profile or constant pressure. These boundary conditions do not reflect the geometry of the lung, effects of respiration, or the compliance of pulmonary vessels. To improve the accuracy of computational modeling of the pulmonary circulation, a dynamic impedance boundary condition will be developed that can be used to accurately represent respiration effects and provide information regarding wave speed and reflection in compliant arteries.