Application of Static Pressure Change in Estimation of Elastic Parameters of Rabbit's Artery by Doppler Ultrasound

Backgrounds/Objectives : Noninvasive evaluation of elastic properties of vessel wall is hampered by the absence of methods to directly asse ss local elasticity. In order to invasively record the static pressure of carotid artery dur ing cardiac cycle in rabbit s and compare it with noninvasive technique, T–shaped tubes have been designed and constructed and calibrated. A noninvasive method to measure static pressure in arteries and finally estimate the elasticity of vessels is provided. Materials and Methods: In male white rabbits, we estimated the static pressure changes in carotid artery noninvasively by measuring blood flow velocities throughout cardiac cycle using Color Doppler Ultrasound. The blood flow ve locities were converted to static pressure changes by using energy conservation low. The st atic pressure changes of arterial wall were estimated. These parameters were compared wi th measured actual static pressure changes using a T-shaped tube, that was inserted into the carotid artery and the static pressure change was measured in the side br anch of the tube. The elastic parameters in both methods were calculated and compared by pa ired t-test statistical analysis. Results: Statistical analysis of static pressure c hanges and elastic parameters in both methods showed that there was no significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion: By applying this noninvasive approach, we can estimate elastic parameters in arteries of normal people and patients with, or at risk of developing atherosclerosis for determination of disease extent. We propose this noninvasive method as an accurate and safe way suitable for screening of large popula tions of young and symptom-free individuals.