A theoretical and experimental model of ventricular interdependence

Because of the close anatomical association between the ventricles, the volume of one ventricle can directly affect the volume and pressure within the other ventricle. To study the mechanical coupling between the ventricles, we modeled the right and left ventricles as a two-compartment model with right wall (C_iw), septal (C_s), and left wall (C_lw) compliances. Based on the balances of forces across the septum, four equations were obtained to predict the transfer of pressure (P) and volume (V) information from one ventricle to another. The validity of the theoretical analysis was tested first in a physical model and then in a post-mortem heart preparation. The standard errors of estimate comparing the predicted to measured values were low for both the physical model and the post-mortem heart data. All values were significantly related (P<0.05) with r>0.89. The results show excellent correlation between predicted and measured values. This model provides a better understanding of ventricular interdependence and may help to predict effects of hypertrophy and/or myocardial ischemia on ventricular interdependence.