2026-10-10T09:05:56Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/33989250 2026-09-24T17:48:56Z category_1 category_915 category_7 category_12 category_13 category_14 category_15 category_16 category_272 category_873 category_734 category_931 category_62 category_128 portal_5 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

<p>Statistics of the experimental results.</p> Hatim Machrafi (12532522) Xavier Capelle (25105323) Sébastien Grandfils (25105326) Christine Vanlinthout (25105329) Frédéric Kridelka (10519964) Pierre C. Dauby (11547497) Biophysics Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified Medicine Cell Biology Genetics Molecular Biology Neuroscience Physiology Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Information Systems not elsewhere classified Marine Biology Hematology vessel wall deformation numerical results show fully coupled three findings may contribute combine numerical modelling mechanical coupling within umbilical venous return shifted venous deformation jelly contribute positively increasing amplitude toward doppler ultrasound measurements doppler measurements confirm mean flow rate future artificial placenta div >< p arterial pulsations transmitted umbilical cord mechanics mechanical interactions within arterial pulsations venous flow mechanical interactions jelly — amplitude oscillations arterial pulsatility blood flow wharton ’ vivo </ strictly steady singleton pregnancies producing phase placental insertion placental compliance placental circulation placenta interactions physiological significance like effect key driver investigate hemodynamic free loop dynamically modulated combined computational behaviour depends approach reveals <div><p>The mechanisms governing umbilical venous return in early pregnancy remain incompletely understood, particularly the roles and interactions of arterial pulsatility, umbilical cord mechanics, and placental compliance. In this study, we combine numerical modelling and <i>in vivo</i> measurements to investigate hemodynamic and mechanical interactions within the feto-placental circulation. A fully coupled three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction model of the umbilical cord—comprising two pulsatile arteries, a compliant vein, and Wharton’s jelly—was developed and connected to a zero-dimensional compliant placental model. The model incorporates arterial pressure pulsations, vessel wall deformation, and mechanical coupling within the closed arteries–placenta–vein system. In parallel, Doppler ultrasound measurements were performed in singleton pregnancies to assess umbilical venous flow at the placental insertion and in a free loop of the cord. Numerical results show that venous flow is dynamically modulated by arterial pulsations transmitted through both the cord and placenta, producing phase-shifted venous deformation and low-amplitude oscillations. Despite strong placental damping, the model predicts measurable venous flow oscillations with increasing amplitude toward the fetus. This behaviour depends on cord elasticity and placental compliance. The numerical model also points out that mechanical interactions between arteries, vein, and Wharton’s jelly contribute positively to the mean flow rate, demonstrating a pulsometer-like effect. Doppler measurements confirm that venous flow is not strictly steady and that oscillation amplitude increases toward the fetus, which is consistent with simulations. Overall, our combined computational and <i>in vivo</i> approach reveals that the interplay between arterial pulsations and placental compliance is a key driver of umbilical venous return. Finally, beyond their physiological significance, our findings may contribute to the design and optimization of future artificial placenta and extracorporeal fetal support systems.</p></div> 2026-09-24T17:48:35Z Dataset Dataset 10.1371/journal.pone.0358954.t002 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/_p_Statistics_of_the_experimental_results_p_/33989250 CC BY 4.0