Abstract

In this study, the cardiovascular system is modeled using an equivalent electronic system focusing on the circle of Willis (COW). COW supports adequate blood supply to the brain. Each cardiovascular artery is modeled using electrical elements such as resistor, capacitor and inductor. MATLAB Simulink software was used to obtain the left and right ventricles pressure as well as pressure distribution at efferent arteries of the COW. Firstly, the normal operation of the system was shown then the stenosis of cerebral arteries was induced in the circuit and the effects were studied. In the normal condition, the difference between pressure distribution of right and left efferent arteries (left and right anterior cerebral arteries (ACA-A2), left and right middle cerebral arteries (MCA), left and right posterior cerebral arteries (PCA-P2) was calculated to see the effect of anatomical difference between left and right sides of supplying arteries of COW. In stenosis cases, the effect of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion on efferent arteries pressure was investigated. The model results were verified by comparing to the clinical observation reported in the literature. © 2014 National Taiwan University.