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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption
Published on: August 16, 2016
An integrated coronary circulation teaching model
Johannes H van Oostrom1, S Kentgens, J E W Beneken
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. hans@anest.ufl.edu
Objectives:
We present in this paper a model of the coronary circulation. This model is integrated with a model of the systemic circulation, and contains models for oxygen supply and demand.
Methods:
Three compartments are created: one for the right ventricle, one for the epicardial segment of the left ventricle and one for the endo-cardial segment of the left ventricle. The model was implemented in the Java programming language and contains a visual representation of the left and right ventricles which beat in real time. Color shading is used to represent the partial pressure of oxygen in the segments. A multitude of model parameters can be changed to simulate different scenarios.
Results:
The output of the model was characterized under different conditions and the results verified by clinicians.
Conclusions:
Educational models of human physiology can be very useful for a more in depth understanding of complete physiologic systems. The models must however have enough complexity, interaction with other systems, and realism to show the concepts being taught.
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