Structurally-driven constitutive modelling of passive myocardium in heart failure

Abstract

Most constitutive models of passive myocardium are formulated based on the functional form of non-linear stress-strain data. Although such constitutive models can reproduce the overall mechanical behaviour of myocardium, they generally do not reflect the microstructural and material changes that occur as myocardium progressively remodels during growth or disease. The present study proposes a novel structurally-motivated constitutive model of passive myocardium that directly links quantitative characteristics of myocardial collagen organisation to the mechanical function of the heart. As such, it provides insight into the biophysical relationship between structure and function of the myocardium.