| Affiliations: | Michael E. DeBakey Institute Undergraduate Research Program |
| Project Leader: | Alejandra Morfin a.morfin16@tamu.edu Biomedical Sciences |
| Faculty Mentor: | Christopher Quick, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2016 (complete) |
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Team Size:
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4 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Scientifically significant contributions to the manuscript will be recognized by co-auhorship. |
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Team Needs:
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Description:
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This research project is focused on heart failure and its interaction with the closed-loop system. The worst symptoms of heart failure occur via two mechanisms. The first occurs when cardiac output is extremely low and is paired with increased resistance caused by vasoconstriction, which leads to the “cold” stage of heart failure. On the other hand, the second manifestation occurs when blood volume is increased as well as pulmonary congestion causes the patient to enter the “wet” stage of heart failure. In both cases, the patient is outside a normal homeostatic range, which can be treated by raising or lowering blood volume. In order to determine the mechanical properties of the heart and vasculature, we have taken a different approach to simplify this standard model. Three strategies were employed: 1) assuming the minimal closed-loop model, 2) linearizing all model equations, and 3) assuming systemic resistance was a variable and systemic arterial pressure was a constant parameter. Constraining the complexity of the closed-loop model yielded general algebraic formulas for cardiac output and systemic venous pressure. These simplifying strategies yielded a novel alternative to Guyton’s classical graph, the first algebraic formulas that incorporate the baroreflex, and a simple formula for a physiological range of circulatory filling pressure. Combining these elements with how they manifest in heart failure is the biggest challenge we face. This project is in an advanced stage, and will shortly yield a manuscript for submission. |