Reverse flow in the major infrarenal vessels – A capacitive phenomenon

Issue title: 25th Anniversary Volume. Memorial Issue for Robin Fåhræus (1888–1968)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Holenstein, Rolf^a | Ku, David N.^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0405, USA | [b] Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor H.L. Goldsmith

Abstract: The arterial blood flow waveform is shown to change abruptly when passing from the thoracic aorta into the abdominal aorta in humans. Although this change has been accurately predicted by numerical solution of complicated pulse propagation equations, this paper demonstrates the ability of a simple lumped parameter model to explain this change in the waveforms using easily understood physical terms. The model correctly predicts changes in flow waveform under conditions of exercise and peripheral vascular disease. This analysis is useful in understanding abdominal artery physiology and explains the basis for clinical ultrasound Doppler examination of the legs.

Keywords: Pulsatile flow, aorta, capacitance, reverse flow, blood flow, human

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1988-25604

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 835-842, 1988