The arterial system characterised in the time domain

When an impulse of flow is applied to the arterial system then the resulting pressure, the impulse response, is a characterisation of the arterial tree. The impulse is generated by means of an occluder around the ascending aorta. The impulse response shows an initial sharp peak followed by an exponential decay with two peaks superimposed on it. The exponential decay is due to diffuse reflection and is linked to the windkessel properties of the arterial tree. The superimposed peaks arise from two distinct reflection sites in the arterial tree. By means of the pulse wave velocity the location of these reflection sites may be calculated; one is found in the bed distal to the brachiocephalic and subclavian arteries and the other in the bed distal to the descending aorta. The distinct reflections are linked to the reflection sites in the asymmetric T-model of the arterial tree. Vasodilatation (nitroprusside) and vasoconstriction (angiotensin) mainly influence the diffuse reflections, while the locations of the distinct reflection sites appear to be unchanged. Inflation of a balloon in the descending aorta shows up as a sharp peak in the impulse response function. The results obtained are compared with the impulse response function computed from pressure and flow waves in the steady-state.