Pulse Pattern and Artificial Wave Pattern in the Arterial Tree of the Dog.

Abstract. Central and peripheral arterial pulse curves in dogs have been recorded synchronously during normal circulation. The peripheral increase in pulse pressure may attain 200 per cent. It is concluded that this increase cannot be due to wave reflection and interference together with a Bernoulli effect and a water hammer effect. The existence of a pulsatory activity of the peripheral muscular arteries must therefore be assumed. Pressure recordings from a large artificial arteriovenous fistula seem to indicate that peripheral wave reflection does not influence the pulse pressure to any greater extent. Central and peripheral pressure curves recorded during extracorporeal circulation clearly demonstrate essential differences between artificial wave motions and the pulse pattern. It is concluded that the physiological pulse cannot be regarded as an ordinary wave motion in the arteries.