Key Points
- To determine how the aortic pulse contour transforms as it propagates downstream from the aortic root through the thoracic and abdominal aorta.
- Mapped continuous pulse wave contours by withdrawing an intra-aortic recording sound along the aorta in lightly anesthetized dogs.
- The initial anacrotic slope remains unaltered through the aortic arch and thoracic aorta but steepens in the abdominal aorta, breaking at progressively higher pressure levels peripherally.
- A secondary systolic wave emerges in the descending arch and peaks earlier as it travels downstream, creating nearly simultaneous standing wave peaks across post-arch aortic segments.
- Late systolic and early diastolic pressure elevations at the aortic root coincide with sharp peripheral pressure troughs, generating reciprocal pressure oscillations.
Structured PICO
PPopulationLightly anesthetized dogs
IInterventionMoving a recording sound through the aorta to map pulse contour changes
OOutcomeChanges in aortic pulse contour during propagationsurrogate
This preclinical study maps the propagation of the aortic pulse in dogs, demonstrating the formation of standing waves and changes in pulse contour as it moves peripherally.