Key Points
- Develop and validate a one-dimensional theoretical model to predict pressure wave propagation and wave reflections across realistic, flexible human arterial networks.
- Formulated a one-dimensional mathematical model from the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations incorporating wall viscoelasticity, nonlinear terms, and Hagen-Poiseuille viscosity, solved via the MacCormack scheme.
- Constructed physical polyurethane tube bench setups mirroring arterial elasticity, including straight tubes, tubes of varying elasticity, single bifurcations, and a network with four bifurcations.
- Generated pulsatile flow (0.3 s ejection time) via a controlled pump and recorded inner pressure and flow velocity using pressure sensors and an ultrasound diagnostic system.
- Theoretical pressure waveforms closely matched experimental wave measurements across straight, combined, and bifurcated tube configurations.
- The square sum of residuals between theoretical predictions and experimental waveforms remained below 10.0% for all tested configurations.
- Minor discrepancies in the square sum of residuals were primarily attributed to approximation errors in fluid viscosity modeling.
Structured PICO
PPopulationViscoelastic tube set-ups (soft polyurethane tubes) configured as basic tube models and a simple arterial network with four bifurcations, mimicking human arterial elasticity.
IIntervention1D theoretical model of pressure wave propagation derived from Navier-Stokes and continuity equations, computed using the MacCormack scheme.
CComparatorExperimental measurements of inner pressure waves and flow velocity using a pressure sensor and ultrasonic diagnostic system under pulsatile flow (ejection time 0.3 s).
OOutcomeSquare sum of residuals (difference between theoretical and experimental wave-forms).surrogate
A 1D theoretical model accurately simulates pressure wave propagation in a human arterial network model, providing a useful tool for understanding pulse wave dynamics in vivo.
Limitations
- Approximation error for flow viscosity