Study of arterial pressure waves using a simple tube model of the ventriculo-arterial system

A simple tube model of the ventriculo-arterial system is proposed in order to study the relationship between arterial mechanical properties and pressure waveforms. In this model, the arterial system is regarded as a tube with a lumped reflecting site at the distal end and the ventricle (systole) or the aortic valve (diastole) at the proximal end. The propagation of waves is determined by arterial mechanical properties, e.g. reflection coefficients, wave propagation velocity and the effective length of the arterial system. Blood pressure waves in the proximal brachiocephalic artery of the rabbit were recorded and experimental observations were compared with waves simulated from a computer program. Results show that this semiquantitative model illustrates the relationship between arterial mechanical properties and pressure waveforms, and also the effect of arterial mechanics on the left ventricular performance.<>