On the importance of the nonuniform aortic stiffening in the hemodynamics of physiological aging

Mathematical models of the arterial tree constitute a valuable tool to investigate the hemodynamics of aging and pathology. Rendering such models as patient specific could allow for the assessment of central hemodynamic variables of clinical interest. However, this task is challenging, particularly with respect to the tuning of the local area compliance that varies significantly along the arterial tree. Accordingly, in this study, we demonstrate the importance of taking into account the differential effects of aging on the stiffness of central and peripheral arteries when simulating a person's hemodynamic profile. More specifically, we propose a simple method for effectively adapting the properties of a generic one-dimensional model of the arterial tree based on the subject's age and noninvasive measurements of aortic flow and brachial pressure. A key element for the success of the method is the implementation of different mechanisms of arterial stiffening for young and old individuals. The designed methodology was tested and validated against in vivo data from a population of n = 20 adults. Carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity was accurately predicted by the model (mean error = 0.14 m/s. SD = 0.77 m/s), with the greatest deviations being observed for older subjects. In regard to aortic pressure, model-derived systolic blood pressure and augmentation index were both in good agreement (mean difference of 2.3 mmHg and 4.25%, respectively) with the predictions of a widely used commercial device (Mobil-O-Graph). These preliminary results encourage us to further validate the method in larger samples and consider its potential as a noninvasive tool for hemodynamic monitoring. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose a technique for adapting the parameters of a validated one-dimensional model of the arterial tree using noninvasive measurements of aortic flow and brachial pressure. Emphasis is given on the adjustment of the arterial tree distensibility, which incorporates the nonuniform effects of aging on central and peripheral vessel elasticity. Our method could find application in the derivation of important hemodynamic indices, paving the way for novel diagnostic tools.

Noninvasive Cardiac Output and Central Systolic Pressure From Cuff-Pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity

Vasiliki Bikia, Stamatia Zoi Pagoulatou, Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Bram Trachet

Goal: We introduce a novel approach to estimate cardiac output (CO) and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) from noninvasive measurements of peripheral cuff-pressure and carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Methods: The adjustment of a previously validated one-dimensional arterial tree model is achieved via an optimization process. In the optimization loop, compliance and resistance of the generic arterial tree model as well as aortic flow are adjusted so that simulated brachial systolic and diastolic pressures and cf-PWV converge towards the measured brachial systolic and diastolic pressures and cf-PWV. The process is repeated until full convergence in terms of both brachial pressures and cf-PWV is reached. To assess the accuracy of the proposed framework, we implemented the algorithm on in vivo anonymized data from 20 subjects and compared the method-derived estimates of CO and cSBP to patient-specific measurements obtained with Mobil-O-Graph apparatus (central pressure) and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (aortic blood flow). Results: Both CO and cSBP estimates were found to be in good agreement with the reference values achieving an RMSE of 0.36 L/min and 2.46 mmHg, respectively. Low biases were reported, namely -0.04 +/- 0.36 L/min for CO predictions and -0.27 +/- 2.51 mmHg for cSBP predictions. Significance: Our one-dimensional model can be successfully "tuned" to partially patient-specific standards by using noninvasive, easily obtained peripheral measurement data. The in vivo evaluation demonstrated that this method can potentially be used to obtain central aortic hemodynamic parameters in a noninvasive and accurate way.

IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC2020

Numerical validation of a new method to assess aortic pulse wave velocity from a single recording of a brachial artery waveform with an occluding cuff

Philippe Reymond, Patrick Segers, Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Bram Trachet

Recently a new method has been proposed as a tool to measure arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of the stiffness of the large arteries and an emerging parameter used as indicator of clinical cardiovascular risk. The method is based on measurement of brachial blood pressure during supra-systolic pressure inflation of a simple brachial cuff [the device is known as the Arteriograph (Tensiomed, Budapest, Hungary)]. This occlusion yields pronounced first and secondary peaks in the pressure waveform, the latter ascribed to a reflection from the aortic bifurcation, and PWV is calculated as the ratio of twice the jugulum-symphysis distance and the time difference between the two peaks. To test the validity of this working principle, we used a numerical model of the arterial tree to simulate pressures and flows in the normal configuration, and in a configuration with an occluded brachial artery. A pronounced secondary peak was indeed found in the brachial pressure signal of the occluded model, but its timing was only related to brachial stiffness and not to aortic stiffness. We also compared PWV's calculated with three different methods: PWVATG (approximately Arteriograph principle), PWVcar-fem (approximately carotid-femoral PWV, the current clinical gold standard method), and PWVtheor (approximately Bramwell-Hill equation). Both PWVATG (R2=0.94) and PWVcar-fem (R2=0.95) correlated well with PWVtheor, but their numerical values were lower (by 2.17+/-0.42 and 1.08+/-0.70 m/s for PWVATG and PWVcar-fem, respectively). In conclusion, our simulations question the working principle of the Arteriograph. Our data indicate that the method picks up wave reflection phenomena confined to the brachial artery, and derived values of PWV rather reflect the stiffness of the brachial arteries.

Springer Verlag2010

On the Estimation of Total Arterial Compliance from Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity

Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Orestis Vardoulis

Total arterial compliance (C (T)) is a main determinant of cardiac afterload, left ventricular function and arterio-ventricular coupling. C (T) is physiologically more relevant than regional aortic stiffness. However, direct, in vivo, non-invasive, measurement of C (T) is not feasible. Several methods for indirect C (T) estimation require simultaneous recording of aortic flow and pressure waves, limiting C (T) assessment in clinical practice. In contrast, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) measurement, which is considered as the "gold standard" method to assess arterial stiffness, is noninvasive and relatively easy. Our aim was to establish the relation between aPWV and C (T). In total, 1000 different hemodynamic cases were simulated, by altering heart rate, compliance, resistance and geometry using an accurate, distributed, nonlinear, one-dimensional model of the arterial tree. Based on Bramwell-Hill theory, the formula was found to accurately estimate C (T) from aPWV. Coefficient k was determined both analytically and by fitting C (T) vs. aPWV data. C (T) estimation may provide an additional tool for cardiovascular risk (CV) assessment and better management of CV diseases. C (T) could have greater impact in assessing elderly population or subjects with elevated arterial stiffness, where aPWV seem to have limited prognostic value. Further clinical studies should be performed to validate the formula in vivo.

Springer US2012

Numerical validation of a new method to assess aortic pulse wave velocity from a single recording of a brachial artery waveform with an occluding cuff

Philippe Reymond, Patrick Segers, Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Bram Trachet

Springer Verlag2010