Three-dimensional display of calculated velocity profiles for physiological flow waveforms.

PURPOSE

To improve the understanding of the nature of pulsatile flow, three-dimensional idealized velocity profiles corresponding to measured physiological mean flow velocity waveforms were displayed at selected instants throughout the flow cycle.

METHODS

The Fourier harmonics for each waveform were determined, and their corresponding velocity profiles at each instant of time were calculated with the Womersley equations. Velocity profiles were calculated by summing the contributions from each harmonic.

RESULTS

Calculated profiles were displayed in a three-dimensional perspective for both normal carotid and femoral arteries and for simple sinusoidal flow with a superimposed steady component.

CONCLUSION

The potential value of such displays is discussed in terms of gaining an improved understanding of the nature of pulsatile flow and clarifying the interpretation of Doppler ultrasound recordings.