Non-invasive assessment of hemodynamics in adolescents with arterial tonometry and Doppler ultrasound during a conventional stress test

Abstract

Aiming to improve early diagnosis of people at cardiovascular risk, we are developing a custom set-up to allow an adequate hemodynamic analysis of heart function and arterial circulation properties, based on non-invasive acquisition of pressure (arterial tonometry) and flow (Doppler ultrasound techniques) waveforms. In an experimental setting 15 healthy volunteers were examined on a custom made supine bicycle. Able to record usable data throughout the bicycle test and automatically analyse derived hemodynamic parameters such as compliance, peripheral resistance, etc., we also applied the set-up in a real clinical environment. This research contributes to a more complete cardiovascular examination without significant additional discomfort for the patient or prolongation of the test protocol.