Quantification of forward and backward arterial waves by model-based analysis of aortic and femoral artery pressure waveforms

We developed a technique to quantify forward and backward arterial waves by model-based analysis of aortic and femoral artery pressure waveforms. Thus, in contrast to conventional techniques, our technique does not require a more difficult arterial flow measurement. We validated the forward and backward waves through a set of canine experiments by showing that the waves accurately predicted a third arterial pressure waveform measurement and changed in the expected manner to interventions of known effect. We also calculated the waves during nine different hemodynamic conditions. Our results showed that the relative magnitude of the backward wave was smallest during nitroglycerin and dobutamine and largest during phenylephrine and hemorrhage, while the time delay between the two waves was smallest during atrial pacing and about the same during the remaining eight conditions.