Valveless pumping behavior of the simulated embryonic heart tube as a function of contractile patterns and myocardial stiffness

Abstract

During development, the heart begins pumping as a valveless multilayered tube capable of driving blood flow throughout the embryonic vasculature. The mechanical properties and how they interface with pumping function are not well-defined at this stage. Here, we evaluate pumping patterns using a fluid-structure interaction computational model, combined with experimental data and an energetic analysis to investigate myocardial mechanical properties. Through this work, we propose that a myocardium modeled as a Neo-Hookean material with a material constant on the order of 10 kPa is necessary for the heart tube to function with an optimal pressure and cardiac output.

Keywords: Embryonic zebrafish heart; Fluid–structure interaction; Heart tube; Pumping; Pumping mechanics; Stiffness; Valveless pumping at low Reynolds number.