A multi-compartment computer simulation for analysis of fluid resuscitation following hemorrhagic shock

A multi-compartment model of the cardiovascular system was designed to address questions regarding myocardial oxygen balance during fluid resuscitation. The model includes nonlinear compliant chambers of the systemic and pulmonary interstitial compartments. It also includes calculations of hematocrit and colloid osmotic pressure and flows between the interstitium and the vascular chambers. The computer simulation of the model demonstrates that in addition to pulmonary and systemic edema, cardiac oxygen balance is an important factor which must be considered during fluid therapy. The simulation also suggests that limiting the rate of infusion reduces this risk.