DIFFERENCES OF ARTERIAL ELASTIC PROPERTIES IN HUMAN LIMBS MEASURED BY VOLUME-OSCILLOMETRIC METHOD.

Arterial elastic properties in various sites of human limb segments were noninvasively measured by a volume-oscillometric method which was previously proposed as a new sphygmomanometry. The vascular volume change (V) and its pulsation ( DELTA V) following the application of counterpressure (cuff pressure) were detected by electrical admittance or photoelectrical plethysmography. Arterial compliance (C//a equals DELTA V/ DELTA P: DELTA P, pulse pressure) and volume elastic modulus (E//v equals DELTA P/ DELTA V/V) as a function of transmural pressure were calculated from the volume variations thus measured and the simultaneously determined indirect arterial pressure. The measurements were successfully made on human limb segments of fingers, forearms, upper arms, toes, calves and thighs. The difference of elastic properties among these segments were also discussed.