Experimental and numerical studies of digital arterial elasticity by volume oscillometric analysis

Arterial elasticity is one of the indicators for the existence of cardiovascular diseases. The present study introduces the elasticity evaluation of digital artery by using a volume oscillometric technique. We conducted the experiment by analyzing an alternating signal of photoelectric Plethysmograph during the continuous change of transmural pressure and resulting in the form of new pressure-volume relationship. In addition, the theoretical model based on the continuum mechanics and hyperelasticity of arterial wall was also simulated under the passive tension to predict arterial elasticity and clarify the experimental analysis. As the results of the experimental approach, the new pressure-volume relationship provided the sensible response of arterial wall to the transmural pressure. The change of this relationship associated with the age of subjects. While, the theoretical results demonstrated the ability of current model for the prediction of arterial elasticity using the volume oscillometric technique under the influence of pulse pressure.