Novel methods of pulse wave diagnostics based on compression of a superficial artery

Abstract

Pulse wave propagation and reflection in the branching systems of viscoelastic tubes and complex resistances as a model of arterial vasculature is considered. Axisymmetric wave motion of a viscous incompressible liquid in the system is investigated in application to the pressure and flow wave propagation in the system. Expression for the input admittance of the system taking into account wave reflection at the end of the tube is obtained. The dependence of the input admittance on the geometrical and mechanical parameters of the system is investigated. It is shown that the parameters of the pressure wave (the modules and phases of different harmonics) at the inlet of the system give information on the state (normal or pathological) of the inner organs. It is shown that after a proper compression (slight or deep) some harmonics can be amplified while the others are attenuated. Based on the theory of resonant harmonics of different inner organs the novel method of pulse wave palpation is proposed. The results are compared to some other methods as separation of the pressure wave into the forward and backward components, estimation of the parameters of the reflected wave and wave-intensity analysis.