Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 3703

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
Interests: computational and experimental biofluid mechanics; cardiovascular engineering and technology; heart valve engineering; mechanobiology; artificial liver device; In vitro drug screening platform; artificial intelligence
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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
Interests: microcirculation; blood rheology; microfluidics; medical devices; biomaterials; biosensors; hemodynamics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intricate dance between form and function in the cardiovascular system represents one of the most fascinating areas of bioengineering research. As Guest Editors, we are pleased to announce this Special Issue on "Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics", aimed at bringing together cutting-edge research that bridges computational modeling, experimental approaches, and clinical applications in cardiovascular biomechanics.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, placing immense burdens on healthcare systems and patients alike. Engineering approaches offer unique insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions by quantifying the complex biomechanical environments within the cardiovascular system. Recent advances in computational power, imaging technologies, and experimental methods have significantly expanded our ability to model and analyze cardiovascular function across multiple scales—from subcellular processes to organ-level dynamics.

This Special Issue seeks original research articles and review papers that address fundamental and applied aspects of cardiovascular biomechanics. We particularly welcome contributions that integrate computational modeling with experimental validation or clinical applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Multiscale and multiphysics modeling of cardiac and vascular mechanics;
  • Patient-specific modeling for surgical planning and intervention design;
  • Fluid–structure interaction in cardiovascular flows;
  • Biomechanics of cardiovascular devices and implants;
  • Mechanobiology of vascular cells and tissues;
  • Novel experimental methods for characterizing cardiovascular mechanics;
  • Machine learning approaches for cardiovascular modeling and analysis;
  • Translational research bridging cardiovascular biomechanics and clinical practice;
  • Biomechanical aspects of cardiac development, growth, and remodeling;

We are especially interested in work that demonstrates clear pathways toward clinical translation or that offers new mechanistic insights with potential therapeutic implications. Papers that introduce novel methodological frameworks, validate existing models with experimental data, or establish connections between biomechanical factors and disease progression are highly encouraged.

The complexity of cardiovascular biomechanics necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration. We welcome submissions from diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, computational science, cell biology, physiology, and clinical medicine. This Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue that can accelerate innovation in cardiovascular research and healthcare.

Authors are invited to submit their manuscripts through the journal's online submission system, clearly indicating that the submission is intended for the Special Issue "Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics". All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review according to the journal's established standards. We encourage potential contributors to contact the Guest Editors with questions or to discuss the suitability of proposed topics.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this exciting field at the intersection of engineering, biomechanics, and cardiovascular medicine. Together, we aim to compile a collection of research that advances our understanding of cardiovascular function and dysfunction, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Hwa Liang Leo
Guest Editor

Dr. Justin Kok Soon Tan
Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vascular mechanics
  • patient-specific modeling
  • cardiovascular devices
  • mechanobiology
  • experimental methods
  • computational modeling
  • machine learning

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4664 KB  
Article
Using Patient-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Assessment
by Natthaporn Kaewchoothong, Sorracha Rookkapan, Chayut Nuntadusit and Surapong Chatpun
Bioengineering 2025, 12(12), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12121380 - 18 Dec 2025
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous disease and can cause sudden death if it ruptures. This study investigated blood flow behaviors and hemodynamic changes in three categories (small, medium and large diameters) of AAAs using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on patient [...] Read more.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous disease and can cause sudden death if it ruptures. This study investigated blood flow behaviors and hemodynamic changes in three categories (small, medium and large diameters) of AAAs using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on patient geometry. Computed tomography images of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms were used to construct a patient-specific AAA model. This study included one healthy subject and seven patients who had AAAs with a diameter larger than 3 cm. The results showed that the aortic aneurysms were highly turbulent in the diastolic phase, and there was an increase in turbulence as the aneurysm size increased. The time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) in the artery was high at peak systole and decreased during diastole. The oscillating shear index (OSI) was higher at the middle and distal aortic aneurysm sac than in other areas. Low TAWSS and a high OSI in the aneurysm region may indicate a risk of wall rupture in AAA. This study suggests that CFD provides further insights by visualizing blood flow behaviors and quantitatively analyzing hemodynamic parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics)
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Review

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23 pages, 627 KB  
Review
Contemporary Mechanical Support Devices for Temporary and Long-Term Applications
by Sriharsha Talapaneni, Sair Ahmad Tabraiz, Meghna Khandelwal, Shreya Avilala, Shanzil Shafqat, Sedem Dankwa, Chanseo Lee and Irbaz Hameed
Bioengineering 2026, 13(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13020177 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Background: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has revolutionized advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock management, yet randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate consistent mortality benefits with temporary devices, and outcomes remain highly variable across institutions. Methods: This narrative review examines contemporary [...] Read more.
Background: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has revolutionized advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock management, yet randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate consistent mortality benefits with temporary devices, and outcomes remain highly variable across institutions. Methods: This narrative review examines contemporary MCS devices, analyzing their hemodynamic principles, clinical outcomes, complications, and selection strategies. The published literature addressing MCS clinical applications and outcomes was reviewed, with reference lists examined to identify additional sources. Results: Temporary MCS devices demonstrate a persistent hemodynamic-survival paradox where improved hemodynamics fail to translate into mortality benefits in randomized trials. This disconnect reflects delayed intervention after irreversible organ damage, device complications offsetting hemodynamic gains, heterogeneous patient selection without phenotyping, timing challenges, and inadequate statistical power. Landmark trials provide definitive evidence against routine early VA-ECMO use, showing no survival advantage while significantly increasing complications. Optimal device selection requires integrating hemodynamic phenotyping with shock stage to match devices to pathophysiology, while biventricular failure presents the greatest challenge with substantially lower survival. For durable devices, third-generation systems demonstrate superior outcomes with dramatically reduced pump thrombosis and improved survival. Critically, multidisciplinary shock teams employing standardized protocols significantly reduce mortality beyond what devices alone achieve, with structured programs showing substantially improved survival compared to trials using similar devices without organized care systems. Conclusions: Mechanical circulatory support has transformed heart failure management, but optimal outcomes require integrating devices within structured care delivery systems. Success depends on comprehensive hemodynamic assessment, multidisciplinary team activation, protocolized device selection, standardized escalation and weaning strategies, and regionalized networks. The future lies in shifting focus from device innovation to implementation science, establishing quality metrics, developing precision medicine approaches, and conducting trials in phenotype-selected populations with protocolized care. This systems-of-care paradigm offers the most promising path toward translating technological advances into sustained mortality reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics)
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20 pages, 3517 KB  
Review
Review of Cardiovascular Mock Circulatory Loop Designs and Applications
by Victor K. Tsui and Daniel Ewert
Bioengineering 2025, 12(8), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080851 - 7 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2402
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in the United States, driving the need for advanced cardiovascular devices and pharmaceuticals. Mock Circulatory Loops (MCLs) have emerged as essential tools for in vitro testing, replicating pulsatile pressure and flow to simulate various physiological [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in the United States, driving the need for advanced cardiovascular devices and pharmaceuticals. Mock Circulatory Loops (MCLs) have emerged as essential tools for in vitro testing, replicating pulsatile pressure and flow to simulate various physiological and pathological conditions. While many studies focus on custom MCL designs tailored to specific applications, few have systematically reviewed their use in device testing, and none have assessed their broader utility across diverse biomedical domains. This comprehensive review categorizes MCL designs into three types: mechanical, computational, and hybrid. Applications are classified into four major areas: Cardiovascular Devices Testing, Clinical Training and Education, Hemodynamics and Blood Flow Studies, and Disease Modeling. Most existing MCLs are complex, highly specialized, and difficult to reproduce, highlighting the need for simplified, standardized, and programmable hybrid systems. Improved validation and waveform fidelity—particularly through incorporation of the dicrotic notch and other waveform parameters—are critical for advancing MCL reliability. Furthermore, integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence holds significant promise for enhancing waveform analysis, diagnostics, predictive modeling, and personalized care. In conclusion, the development of MCLs should prioritize standardization, simplification, and broader accessibility to expand their impact across biomedical research and clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Models and Biomechanics)
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