Hydraulic Simulation of the Cardiovascular System in Space and Post-flight
- Paper number
IAC-11,A1,2,13,x10508
- Author
Mr. Niccolo Cymbalist, Concordia University, Canada
- Year
2011
- Abstract
The performance of the cardiovascular system in space and post flight is the subject of extensive research. The first objective of the project detailed in this paper is to observe the relationship between the performance of the cardiovascular system (central venous pressure, arterial pressures and stroke volume) and changes in arterial stiffness, venous stiffness and vascular resistance, when a hydraulic cardiovascular system simulator is placed on a tilt table. This will be analogous to the response of the cardiovascular system to exposure to a gravitational field from microgravity in the absence of an orthostatic response. The second objective of the project is to examine the performance of the same cardiovascular simulator exposed to a gravitational field in the absence of orthostatic response when a healthy aortic valve is replaced by a stenotic valve. The results of the latter experiment may become increasingly relevant as commercial spaceflight opportunities become more available to a wider segment of the population, including the elderly. The cardiovascular system is simulated by closed loop, pulsatile hydraulic system which includes a simplified arterial system, venous system and heart, and whose performance is dependent on its orientation. Simplifications include the absence of a pulmonary circuit, including right ventricle and left atrium, and the absence of an upper body circulatory system. The sensors (pressure and flow) measure pressures in the venous and arterial systems and flow through the heart. The stiffness of the arterial and venous system, the capillary resistance and heart rate are adjustable.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)