Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026
A Comprehensive Rat Model For Assessing Hepatic Transport Pathways Through Simultaneous Lymphatic And Blood Vascular Sampling
Published on: May 15, 2026
Distribution of hepatic venous blood in the total cavo-pulmonary connection: an in vitro study
P G Walker1, T T Howe, R L Davies
1School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK. p.g.walker@leeds.ac.uk
Objectives:
The objective of this project was to quantify the effects of geometry on the distribution of hepatic blood to the lungs in patients with a total cavo-pulmonary connection. The basis for this work is the supposition that hepatic blood is necessary for proper lung function.
Methods:
Plastic models of these connections were made with varying degrees of offset between the inferior and superior vena cava and attached to an in vitro flow loop. Dye was injected into the inferior vena cava and its concentration quantified in each pulmonary artery. These data were converted to percentage concentration and distribution of hepatic blood to each lung.
Results:
With no offset between the vena cava, hepatic blood distribution and concentration to each lung was similar to normal. For an offset of one or more diameters, hepatic blood tended to flow preferentially towards the nearest pulmonary artery with the opposite pulmonary artery exhibiting a deficit (<10% of normal).
Conclusions:
Distribution of hepatic blood to each lung was found to be a function of vena cava offset and pulmonary artery flow split. Under normal conditions, 60% of blood towards the right pulmonary artery, the hepatic blood distribution to both lungs could be maintained above 50% of normal if the inferior vena cava was offset towards the left pulmonary artery. Offsetting the inferior vena cava towards the right pulmonary artery jeopardized the delivery of hepatic blood to one lung.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Hepatic Portal System
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
01:19Overview of Pulmonary Circulation
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
01:04Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system as it...
01:21Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:11Overview of Systemic Veins
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...