title: Automated computation of relative flow resistance using a pulsed Doppler flowmeter.
abstract: Use of a pulsed Doppler flowmeter to assess changes in blood flow resistance often requires a laborious series of calculations, and full characterization of resistance changes frequently necessitates replotting of calculated data. To facilitate the interpretation of pulsed Doppler flowmetry data, a simple, inexpensive device was constructed that computes the signal ratio of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to directional pulsed Doppler outputs. With this device, relative flow resistance can be recorded and quantitatively assessed at a glance in three vascular beds in real time. This computer-like device was designed around the Burr-Brown DIV100HP integrated circuit. C741G OpAmps provide input buffering, zeroing, and ranging adjustments enabling the user to accurately follow resistance over a very broad range of changes without exceeding the device's operating limits. A LM339 quad comparator monitors the input of each DIV100 and indicates when operating limits are exceeded via a channel-specific LED indicator and an audible alarm. No significant attenuation of the input signals occurs over the range of direct current to 50 kHz, and the output is without significant phase shift. Comparisons with calculated changes in resistance derived from the MAP and pulsed Doppler flowmetry in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats confirmed that resistance changes can be measured with precision and accuracy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Medicine in Shreveport 71130.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Battarbee
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Farrar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000502:physiology; D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004301:Doppler Effect; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000502:physiology; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000494:pharmacology; D010656:Phenylephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D012079:Renal Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009599:Nitroprusside; D010656:Phenylephrine