The development of an analytical and experimental model to study arterial pulse wave propagation in health and disease

This thesis developed theoretical and experimental models of pulse wave propagation in the arterial system. The models provided a foundation for the investigation of normal and diseased arterial wave propagation.; The variation in pulse wave morphology was researched in both normal and diseased vessels. The factors that contribute to the variation in pulse wave shape were determined. The research was divided into three major sections: analytical, experimental and clinical.; The analytical model was developed from the conservation of momentum and energy equations. The method of characteristics was used to solve the equations for the cases analyzed. An experimental model was constructed to simulate pulse wave propagation in the major arteries of the body. The input flow wave was generated by a programmable servo-valve system. A clinical study was performed to provide data as a basis of comparison. Velocity waveforms and compliance values were measured in the major arteries of ten normal volunteers.; The results of this research showed that the major contributing factor to the normal variations in pulse wave shape is arterial compliance. The peripheral vascular bed in the normal artery was shown to act as a pure resistive component and is a minimal contributor to arterial wave reflection. An arterial stenosis was shown to act as a complete wave reflector. Finally, a stiffened vessel with no considerable area change will result in an almost insignificant change in pulse wave morphology.