Pulse wave propagation in a model human arterial network: Assessment of 1-D visco-elastic simulations against in vitro measurements.

The accuracy of the nonlinear one-dimensional (1-D) equations of pressure and flow wave propagation in Voigt-type visco-elastic arteries was tested against measurements in a well-defined experimental 1:1 replica of the 37 largest conduit arteries in the human systemic circulation. The parameters required by the numerical algorithm were directly measured in the in vitro setup and no data fitting was involved. The inclusion of wall visco-elasticity in the numerical model reduced the underdamped high-frequency oscillations obtained using a purely elastic tube law, especially in peripheral vessels, which was previously reported in this paper [Matthys et al.

Long-term pressure monitoring with arterial applanation tonometry: a non-invasive alternative during clinical intervention?

Arterial tonometry is a non-invasive technique for continuous registration of arterial pressure waveforms. This study aims to assess tonometric blood pressure recording (TBP) as an alternative for invasive long-term bedside monitoring. A prospective study was set up where patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention were subjected to both invasive (IBP) and non-invasive (TBP) blood pressure monitoring during the entire procedure.

Pulse wave propagation in a model human arterial network: assessment of 1-D numerical simulations against in vitro measurements.

A numerical model based on the nonlinear, one-dimensional (1-D) equations of pressure and flow wave propagation in conduit arteries is tested against a well-defined experimental 1:1 replica of the human arterial tree. The tree consists of 37 silicone branches representing the largest central systemic arteries in the human, including the aorta, carotid arteries and arteries that perfuse the upper and lower limbs and the main abdominal organs. The set-up is mounted horizontally and connected to a pulsatile pump delivering a periodic output similar to the aortic flow.

Influence of zero flow pressure on fractional flow reserve.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a commonly used index to assess the functional severity of a coronary artery stenosis. It is conventionally calculated as the ratio of the pressure distal (Pd) and proximal (Pa) to the stenosis (FFR= Pd/Pa). We hypothesize that the presence of a zero flow pressure (Pzf), requires a modification of this equation.