Pulse wave reflections at the aorto-iliac junction.

For pressure pulses to be transmitted to vital organ vascular beds, minimum loss through vascular branching junctions is necessary. Experimental measurements of pulse wave velocities and cross-sectional areas allowed branching reflections to be quantified. Wave reflections at normal aorto-iliac junction is minimal. Increased reflection occurs when the branch vessel is either narrowed or occluded. Also, geometric factors dominate over elastic factors in determining the amount of pulse wave reflections at the aorto-iliac junction.