New method for measure regional pulse wave velocity by means of RF ultrasonic signals

The aim of this paper is to describe a non-invasive method of examination of the local pulse wave velocity. The measurements were carried out in the elastic silicon model of the artery immersed in water tank. Two synchronized ultrasonic apparatus VED with the ultrasonic radio frequency echoes acquisition for evaluation of the arterial elasticity, developed by the author, were used. The zerocrossing method was used for evaluating the pulse wave by measurements of the diameter changes of the model of the artery. The transit time between the waveforms of instant artery diameter at two measurement points, 5cm along the model of the artery was measured. The transit time was determined using the criteria of similarity of the first derivatives of the raising slopes of curves describing the instant vessel’s diameter changes in two measurement points of the model of the artery. The pulse wave velocity obtained by proposed two-point method was referred to the one-point method based of the modified Bramwell-Hill relation.