A review of pulse propagation in viscoelastic arteries with distributed flow leakage.

Current mathematical models for describing pulse propagation in arteries are summarized. These models include the effects of viscoelasticity, frequency dependent friction, and other factors. One factor that has not been previously considered is the effect of distributed flow leakage. This leakage is known to have a significant effect on pulse propagation in rigid tubes and it has been assumed to have a similar effect in compliant tubes. These effects are described here, along with the results of a recent study by these authors on the effects of the distributed flow leakage in compliant tubes.