title: [Characterization of the vascular pulsatile flow through in vitro observations on biologic and mechanical models].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The evidence accumulated on the use of pulsatile and non-pulsatile flow-dependent devices raises a controversy concerning the effects of the flow type on the Circulatory system. This paper proposes to characterize the properties of pulsatile flow in elastic conduits in order to determine how the pulse affects the system and to determine the specific details of the flow in the vascular bed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The biomechanical properties of pulsatile flow were measured on flexible (calf venous vessel), and rigid (plastic pipe) conduits in which the flow was implemented using a pneumatic elastic sack-like pumping device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental data and the biomechanical analysis of the pulsing flow was used to determine the flow pattern in order to develop a mechanical model explaining the effects of the pulse on the vascular system. The resulting model includes the flow's general condition (mechanical component) and its effects on the vascular system (biological/physiological component).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The model proposed here allows determining the relationship between the flow conditions and the reaction on the wall; it also allows unifying the interpretation of fluid-dynamic factors affecting these phenomena and represents a warning system about the effects of flow changes on the operation of circulatory assistance devices.
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Dinámica Cardiovascular, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia. bustamante.john@gmail.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bustamante
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Valbuena
mesh_terms: D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000502:physiology*