PWPSim: A new simulation tool of pulse wave propagation in the human arterial tree

Hemodynamic simulation enhances investigations of pulse wave propagation phenomena and enables validation of new methods of pulse wave analysis. However, such simulation systems or tools are not readily available nor easily accessible. In this study, a new simulation tool of pulse wave propagation in the human arterial tree was developed based on a transmission line model (TLM). This paper describes the theory of TLM of the human arterial tree used by this simulation. The results are a display of the main functions and simulation results of this tool. This tool allows simulation of pulse wave propagation with capability to change the range of parameters, such as heart rate, mean flow and left ventricular ejection time, body height, arterial radius and wall thickness, arterial viscoelasticity, peripheral resistance and compliance. It also accounts for the nonlinear elasticity of arteries. The simulation results are displayed as 2D and 3D figures of blood pressure and flow waveforms, input impedance and pressure transfer function between aorta and femoral artery, including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index. It is a useful and interactive simulation tool of pulse wave propagation in the systematic arterial tree.

Arterial viscoelasticity: role in the dependency of pulse wave velocity on heart rate in conduit arteries

Experimental investigations have established that the stiffness of large arteries has a dependency on acute heart rate (HR) changes. However, the possible underlying mechanisms inherent in this HR dependency have not been well established. This study aimed to explore a plausible viscoelastic mechanism by which HR exerts an influence on arterial stiffness. A multisegment transmission line model of the human arterial tree incorporating fractional viscoelastic components in each segment was used to investigate the effect of varying fractional order parameter (α) of viscoelasticity on the dependence of aortic arch to femoral artery pulse wave velocity (afPWV) on HR. HR was varied from 60 to 100 beats/min at a fixed mean flow of 100 ml/s. PWV was calculated by intersecting tangent method (afPWVTan) and by phase velocity from the transfer function (afPWVTF) in the time and frequency domain, respectively. PWV was significantly and positively associated with HR for α ≥ 0.6; for α = 0.6, 0.8, and 1, HR-dependent changes in afPWVTan were 0.01 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.04, and 0.22 ± 0.09 m/s per 5 beats/min; HR-dependent changes in afPWVTF were 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.00, and 0.34 ± 0.01 m/s per 5 beats/min, respectively. This crosses the range of previous physiological studies where the dependence of PWV on HR was found to be between 0.08 and 0.10 m/s per 5 beats/min. Therefore, viscoelasticity of the arterial wall could contribute to mechanisms through which large artery stiffness changes with changing HR. Physiological studies are required to confirm this mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study used a transmission line model to elucidate the role of arterial viscoelasticity in the dependency of pulse wave velocity on heart rate. The model uses fractional viscoelasticity concepts, which provided novel insights into arterial hemodynamics. This study also provides a means of assessing the clinical manifestation of the association of pulse wave velocity and heart rate.