Experimental Study on the Pulse Wave Propagation in a Human Artery Model

A pulse wave is composed of incident and reflected waves. Since the attenuation of the reflected wave changes markedly owing to arterial stiffness, analyzing this wave is useful for evaluating an artery. In our previous study, we proposed an estimation method for the reflected wave. However, because the actual path and reflection point of the reflected wave are unknown, it is unclear which artery contributes the reflected wave. We then attempted to investigate the reflection point and concerning artery using a human artery model. This model has four bifurcations using viscoelastic tubes, constructed with an aorta and femoral, subclavian, radial, and left carotid arteries. The details of the model are similar to those of an actual human artery. We measured the inner pressure and flow velocity using this model, and investigated the reflection point. Finally and consequently, the reflection point was estimated to be the end of the carotid artery. The estimated reflected wave was then considered to propagate in the carotid artery.