Figure 2
From: The shape of the healthy heart is optimized for vortex ring formation
A, Symmetrical vortex ring generated in water tank, visualized using Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS). B, Vortex ring formation during filling of the LV in a healthy control displays additional complexity compared to the water tank model. Note the close proximity between the vortex ring boundary and the LV endocardium. Larger distance was seen in patients (C, D). E, Volume-time curves of one control and one patient. F, Distance between vortex ring boundary (LCS) and endocardium of the left ventricle (mean ± SD). G, Vortex ring volume at end-diastole was closely correlated to LV end-diastolic volume in controls. LV chamber size is tuned to accommodate the vortex ring in healthy hearts regardless of total heart size. In contrast, patients demonstrate a loss of optimized vortex-wall coupling.