Vascular Hemodynamics

Abstract

This chapter describes arterial and venous hemodynamics, especially relevant for non-invasive assessment by ultrasound imaging and Doppler in addition to peripheral pressure measurement.

Understanding fundamental hemodynamics is crucial for the investigator in order to draw the right conclusions from vascular testing. Diagnosis of most vascular conditions can be made, using non-invasive methods, with great accuracy. Also, many invasive interventions can be made based on these tests, without the need of invasive diagnostic methods or methods using radiation. However, the most important aspect of non-invasive testing of hemodynamics is that they offer unique information not necessarily obtainable by other tests, plus the fact that non-invasive tests can be repeated whenever needed without endangering the patient.

Review Questions

• 1. Normal arterial flow profile is:

  • a. Dominated by turbulent flow?

  • b. Parabolic

  • c. Is associated with hypertension

  • d. None of the above

• 2. After standing a while, venous pressure when walking in a normal person

  • a. Increases

  • b. Remains constant

  • c. Decreases

  • d. None of the above

• 3. Post-stenotic, the velocity profile

  • a. Remains with very high velocities far distal to the stenosis.

  • b. Peak velocity returns to pre-stenotic values or lower velocity at some point.

  • c. Is never the same as pre-stenotic.

  • d. None of the above.

Answer Key

• 1. b

• 2. c

• 3. b