Modeling of Pulse Wave Propagation and Reflection Along Human Aorta

Abstract

Pulse wave propagation, reflection and transmission along human aorta is studied on the 92-tube cadaveric model from aortic root to bifurcation. The branching coefficients, optimal coefficients by Murray, wave reflection coefficients by J. Lighthill have been computed and compared to the result computed on the 19-tube model of aorta derived from the 55-tube model of hyman systemic arterial tree by Westerhof. Variations in the local wave speed along the aorta have been computed on the model and compared to the continuous measurement data. It is shown the aorta is an optimal waveguide ensuring almost zero local wave reflections at the branches except for the aortic bifurcation, subclavian, carotid and kidney arteries. It is first shown that most of the branches have a negative wave reflection, which promotes blood acceleration and reduces the post-load on the heart due to the suction effect. The calculated values of the branching coefficients and pulse wave velocities correspond to the experimental measurements. The wave reflections at the kidney arteries depend on their individual geometry. The proposed approach can be used for preliminary estimation of the hemodynamic parameters caused by the wave propagation along individual aorta using the MRI study, and prediction of the risk of development of the cardiovascular diseases provided by abnormal hemodynamic.