A graphical simulation software for instruction in cardiovascular mechanics physiology

Software compatible to Windows, based on modified versions of existing mathematical algorithms, has been newly developed. Testing was performed during a full term of physiological lecturing to medical and biology students.The newly developed CLabUZH software models a reduced human cardiovascular loop containing all basic compartments: an isolated heart including an artificial electrical stimulator, main vessels and the peripheral resistive components. Students can alter several physiological parameters interactively. The resulting output variables are printed in x-y diagrams and in addition shown in an animated, graphical model. CLabUZH offers insight into the relations of volume, pressure and time dependency in the circulation and their correlation to the electrocardiogram (ECG). Established mechanisms such as the Frank-Starling Law or the Windkessel Effect are considered in this model. The CLabUZH software is self-contained with no extra installation required and runs on most of today's personal computer systems.CLabUZH is a user-friendly interactive computer programme that has proved to be useful in teaching the basic physiological principles of heart mechanics.The principles of cardiovascular mechanics are complex and due to their dynamic nature, are not readily comprehensible by studying static textbooks. Therefore, the visualization of the dynamic processes by e-learning tools which allow the user to vary the physiological variables, provides a useful tool for teaching students of medicine and biology. However, the currently available Software Laboratory [1] is more than twenty years old and can no longer be maintained on the latest systems software. A new programme that allows students to verify interactively the theories from the lectures was therefore necessary. This software was to be easy-to-use, small and self-contained, allowing efficient implementation, spreading and installed simply into the students' various personal computer systems.Internet queries