Interaction effects of wave propagation phenomena on aortic pressure

The effects on aortic pressure of various wave propagation phenomena, namely reflection coefficient, pulse wave velocity, and characteristic impedance, were studied in isolated rabbit hearts. Hearts were subjected to real-time computer-controlled artificial loading with a single tube model. This loading system allows for precise and independent control of all arterial model parameters and properties. Results indicate that reduced reflections and pulse wave velocity alone cannot yield selective and significant reduction of peak systolic aortic pressure.