can it explain the differences between systemic and pulmonary pressure and flow waves?
We have studied the effect of changes in pulse wave reflection on the configurations of pressure and flow in systemic and pulmonary circulation. Electromagnetic flow transducers, atrial catheters, and pacing leads were implanted in 10 dogs. In four animals, the flow transducer was placed on the pulmonary artery, in another four on the ascending aorta, and in two additional dogs on both vessels. One week later, ascending aortic and/or pulmonary artery flow and pressure (catheter tip manometer) were measured under general anesthesia (Nembutal, 30 mg/kg, iv). When the pulmonary circulation was studied (six dogs), measurements were made before and during serotonin infusion (0.5-0.75 mg/min). When the systemic circulation was studied (six dogs), measurements were made before and during nitroprusside infusion (50-200 micrograms/min). To quantify the arterial load, we calculated pulmonary and systemic input impedances. To estimate the amount of reflection, we used a reflection index which we
