Fluid-Structure Interaction in Arterial Network and Implications for Blood Pressure Measurement– A Numerical Study

Central blood pressure, i.e., the pressure near heart, is an important physiological indicator of cardiovascular function a patient. However, direct measurement this quantity rarely carried out due to invasive nature procedure. Instead, at arm (brachial artery) measured through inflatable cuff commonly used represent or estimate central pressure. On other hand, aortic propagates downstream in form pulse waves, which have pass complex and compliant vascular network reach brachial artery. Therefore, efficacy cuff-measured still under clinical debate, partially stemmed from lack understand physics implicated propagation process. In study, we theoretically explore effectiveness evaluating fluid-structure interaction simulations. We employ patient-specific arterial tree upper limb apply physiologically-accurate boundary conditions, including inlet flow rate three-element Windkessel outlet conditions. The fluidstructure modeled using coupled momentum method. spatial variation material property thickness vessel wall taken into consideration, investigate influence several popular models on wave propagation. also develop analytical model provide further insights interaction. results show that diameter choice great impact propagation; agreement with numerical can be calibrate difference between This study potentially theoretical basis for development more accurate non-invasive methods.