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At least 91 records · Page 5

Effect of acute exposure to hypergravity (GX vs. GZ) on dynamic cerebral autoregulation

We examined the effects of 30 min of exposure to either +3GX (front-to-back) or +GZ (head-to-foot) centrifugation on cerebrovascular responses to 80 degrees head-up tilt (HUT) in 14 healthy individuals. Both before and after +3 GX or +3 GZ centrifugation, eye-level blood pressure (BP(eye)), end tidal PCO2 (PET(CO2)), mean cerebral flow velocity (CFV) in the middle cerebral artery (transcranial Doppler ultrasound), cerebral vascular resistance (CVR), and dynamic cerebral autoregulatory gain (GAIN) were measured with subjects in the supine position and during subsequent 80 degrees HUT for 30 min. Mean BP(eye) decreased with HUT in both the GX (n = 7) and GZ (n = 7) groups (P < 0.001), with the decrease being greater after centrifugation only in the GZ group (P < 0.05). PET(CO2) also decreased with HUT in both groups (P < 0.01), but the absolute level of decrease was unaffected by centrifugation. CFV decreased during HUT more significantly after centrifugation than before centrifugation in both groups (P < 0.02). However, these greater decreases were not associated with greater increases in CVR. In the supine position after centrifugation compared with before centrifugation, GAIN increased in both groups (P < 0.05, suggesting an autoregulatory deficit), with the change being correlated to a measure of otolith function (the linear vestibulo-ocular reflex) in the GX group (r = 0.76, P < 0.05) but not in the GZ group (r = 0.24, P = 0.60). However, GAIN was subsequently restored to precentrifugation levels during postcentrifugation HUT (i.e., as BP(eye) decreased), suggesting that both types of centrifugation resulted in a leftward shift of the cerebral autoregulation curve. We speculate that this leftward shift may have been due to vestibular activation (especially during +GX) or potentially to an adaptation to reduced cerebral perfusion pressure during +GZ.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Changes in cardiac output and tibial artery flow during and after progressive LBNP

A 3.0 MHz Pulsed Doppler velocity meter (PD) was used to determine blood velocities in the ascending aorta from the suprasternal notch before, during and after progressive 5 min stages of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in 7 subjects. Changes in stroke volume were calculated from the systolic velocity integrals. A unique 20 MHz PD was used to estimate bloodflow in the posterior tibial artery. With -20 torr mean stroke volume fell 11% and then continued to decline by 48% before LBNP was terminated. Mean tibial flow fell progressively with LBNP stress, due to an increase in reverse flow component and a reduction in peak forward flow and diameter. Stroke volume increased and heart rate fell dramatically during the first 15 sec of recovery. The LBNP was terminated early in 2 subjects because of vasovagal symptons (V). During V the stroke volume rose 86% which more than compensated for the drop in heart rate. This implies that V is accompanied by a paradoxical increase in venous return and that the reduction in HR is the primary cardiovascular event. During the first 15 sec of recovery these 2 subjects had a distinctive marked rise to heart rate reminiscent of the Bainbridge reflex.

Source record↗

Application of various elastic thin shell theories to blood flow problems

Some existing theories, on elastic thin shells, are reviewed to ascertain their influence on the computation of phase velocities in fluid filled cylinders representing certain aspects of the behavior of arteries and veins in vivo. For physiologically meaningful parameters, including moderately large in plane prestrain that occurs in mammals, the results suggest that with one exception, the small differences in the formulations exercise little influence on the phase velocities. However, it is demonstrated that inclusion of the forces induced by the rotation of the hydrostatic pressure is essential or significantly erroneous torsional wave speeds result. Also the introduction of moderate implane prestrains that are present in living mammals is shown to lead to nonselfadjoint differential equations of motion, whose biorthogonal eigenvectors differ slightly from each other.

Source record↗

Effect of Acute Exposure to Hypergravity (Gx vs. Gz) on Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation

We examined the effects of 30 min of exposure to either +3G(sub x) or +3G(sub z) centrifugation on cerebrovascular responses to 800 head-up tilt (HUT) in 14 healthy individuals. Both before and after +3G(sub x) or +3G(sub z) centrifugation, eye-level blood pressure (BP(sub eye)), end tidal CO2 (P(sub ET)CO2), mean cerebral flow velocity (CFV) in the middle cerebral artery (trans cranial Doppler ultrasound), cerebral vascular resistance (CVR) and dynamic cerebral autoregulatory gain (GAIN) were measured with subjects in the supine position and during subsequent 800 HUT for 30 min. Mean BP(sub eye) decreased with HUT in both the G(sub x) (n= 7) and G(sub z) (n=7) groups (P less than 0.00l), with the decrease being greater after centrifugation only in the G(sub z) group (P less than 0.05). P(sub ET)CO2 also decreased with HUT in both groups (P less than 0.0l), but the absolute level of decrease was unaffected by centrifugation. CFV decreased during HUT more significantly after than before centrifugation in both groups (P less than 0.02). However, these greater decreases were not associated with greater increases in CVR. In the supine position after compared to before centrifugation, GAIN increased in both groups (P less than 0.05, suggesting an autoregulatory deficit), with the change being correlated to a measure of otolith function (the linear vestibulo-ocular reflex) in the G(sub x) group (R=0.76, P less than 0.05) but not in the G(sub z) group (R=0.24, P=0.60). However, GAIN was subsequently restored to pre-centrifugation levels during post-centrifugation HUT (i.e., as BP(sub eye) decreased), suggesting that both types of centrifugation resulted in a leftward shift of the cerebral autoregulation curve. We speculate that this leftward shift may have been due to vestibular activation (especially during +G(sub x)) or potentially to an adaptation to reduced cerebral perfusion pressure during +G(sub z).

Serrador, Jorge M.↗

In vivo blood-flow mapping

Application of laser doppler techniques to commercially available, low loss fiber optics allows direct reading of blood velocity within tiny blood vessels.

Frazer, R. E.↗

Development of ultrasonic methods for hemodynamic measurements

A transcutanous method to measure instantaneous mean blood flow in peripheral arteries of the human body was defined. Transcutanous and implanted cuff ultrasound velocity measurements were evaluated, and the accuracies of velocity, flow, and diameter measurements were assessed for steady flow. Performance criteria were established for the pulsed Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM), and performance tests were conducted. Several improvements are suggested.

Histand, M. B.↗

Contribution of perfusion pressure to vascular resistance response during head-up tilt

We measured brachial and femoral artery flow velocity in eight subjects and peroneal and median muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in five subjects during tilt testing to 40 degrees. Tilt caused similar increases in MSNA in the peroneal and median nerves. Tilt caused a fall in femoral artery flow velocity, whereas no changes in flow velocity were seen in the brachial artery. Moreover, with tilt, the increase in the vascular resistance employed (blood pressure/flow velocity) was greater and more sustained in the leg than in the arm. The ratio of the percent increase in vascular resistance in leg to arm was 2.5:1. We suggest that the greater vascular resistance effects in the leg were due to an interaction between sympathetic nerve activity and the myogenic response.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Spontaneous fluctuations in cerebral blood flow: insights from extended-duration recordings in humans

To determine the dependence of cerebral blood flow (CBF) on arterial pressure over prolonged time periods, we measured beat-to-beat changes in mean CBF velocity in the middle cerebral artery (transcranial Doppler) and mean arterial pressure (Finapres) continuously for 2 h in six healthy subjects (5 men and 1 woman, 18-40 yr old) during supine rest. Fluctuations in velocity and pressure were quantified by the range [(peak - trough)/mean] and coefficients of variation (SD/mean) in the time domain and by spectral analysis in the frequency domain. Mean velocity and pressure over the 2-h recordings were 60 +/- 7 cm/s and 83 +/- 8 mmHg, associated with ranges of 77 +/- 8 and 89 +/- 10% and coefficients of variation of 9.3 +/- 2.2 and 7.9 +/- 2.3%, respectively. Spectral power of the velocity and pressure was predominantly distributed in the frequency range of 0.00014-0.1 Hz and increased inversely with frequency, indicating characteristics of an inverse power law (1/f(alpha)). However, linear regression on a log-log scale revealed that the slope of spectral power of pressure and velocity was steeper in the high-frequency (0.02-0.5 Hz) than in the low-frequency range (0.002-0.02 Hz), suggesting different regulatory mechanisms in these two frequency ranges. Furthermore, the spectral slope of pressure was significantly steeper than that of velocity in the low-frequency range, consistent with the low transfer function gain and low coherence estimated at these frequencies. We conclude that 1) long-term fluctuations in CBF velocity are prominent and similar to those observed in arterial pressure, 2) spectral power of CBF velocity reveals characteristics of 1/f(alpha), and 3) cerebral attenuation of oscillations in CBF velocity in response to changes in pressure may be more effective at low than that at high frequencies, emphasizing the frequency dependence of cerebral autoregulation.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Nonlinear analysis of aortic flow in living dogs.

A nonlinear theory which considered the convective accelerations of blood and the nonlinear elastic behavior and taper angle of the vascular wall was used to study the nature of blood flow in the descending thoracic aorta of living dogs under a wide range of pressures and flows. Velocity profiles, wall friction, and discharge waves were predicted from locally measured input data about the pressure-gradient wave and arterial distention. The results indicated that a major part of the mean pressure gradient was balanced by convective accelerations; the theory, which took this factor into account, predicted the correct velocity distributions and flow waves.

Ling, S. C.↗

Effect of perturbations and a meal on superior mesenteric artery flow in patients with orthostatic hypotension

Our aims were to evaluate to role of superior mesenteric blood flow in the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension in patients with generalized autonomic failure. METHODS: Twelve patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and 12 healthy controls underwent superior mesenteric artery flow measurements using Doppler ultrasonography during head-up tilt and tilt plus meal ingestion. Autonomic failure was assessed using standard tests of the function of the sympathetic adrenergic, cardiovagal and postganglionic sympathetic sudomotor function. RESULTS: Superior mesenteric flow volume and time-averaged velocity were similar in patients and controls at supine rest; however, responses to cold pressor test and upright tilt were attenuated (p < 0.05) in patients compared to controls. Head-up tilt after the meal evoked a profound fall of blood pressure and mesenteric blood flow in the patients; the reduction of mesenteric blood flow correlated (r = 0.89) with the fall of blood pressure in these patients, providing another manifestation of failed baroreflexes. We make the novel finding that the severity of postprandial orthostatic hypotension regressed negatively with the postprandial increase in mesenteric flow in patients with orthostatic hypotension. CONCLUSION: Mesenteric flow is under baroreflex control, which when defective, results in, or worsens orthostatic hypotension. Its large size and baroreflexivity renders it quantitatively important in the maintenance of postural normotension. The effects of orthostatic stress can be significantly attenuated by reducing the splanchnic-mesenteric volume increase in response to food. Evaluation of mesenteric flow in response to eating and head-up tilt provide important information on intra-abdominal sympathetic adrenergic function, and the ability of the patient to cope with orthostatic stress.

Non-NASA Center↗

PIV Investigations of the Flow Field in the Volute of a Rotary Blood Pump

A full-size acrylic model of a rotary blood pump was developed in order to utilize Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to make measurements of the fluid velocities and turbulent stresses throughout the device. The development of an understanding of the hemodynamics within the blood pump is critical to the development and validation of computational models. A blood analog solution, consisting of sodium iodide solution and glycerin, was developed to match physiological kinematic viscosity. The refractive indecies of the fluid, the pump casing and the impeller were matched to facilitate the use of PIV to make velocity measurements. Velocity measurements made in the volute exit/diffuser region are presented for pumps speeds of 3000-3850 rpm. At each speed data were obtained at a physiological pressure of 90 mmHg and at a maximum flow condition. Four hundred data pairs were used for each resultant mean velocity vector value, representing greater than an order of magnitude more data pairs than reported previously in the literature on similar devices and resulting in velocity uncertainty levels of approximately 2.9%.

Sankovic, John M.↗

PIV Investigations of the Flow Field in the Volute of a Rotary Blood Pump

A full-size acrylic model of a rotary blood pump was developed in order to utilize Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to make measurements of the fluid velocities and turbulent stresses throughout the device. The development of an understanding of the hemodynamics within the blood pump is critical to the development and validation of computational models. A blood analog solution, consisting of sodium iodide solution and glycerin, was developed to match physiological kinematic viscosity. The refractive indices of the fluid, the pump casing, and the impeller were matched to facilitate the use of PIV to make velocity measurements. Velocity measurements made in the volute exit/diffuser region are presented for pumps speeds of 3000-3850 rpm. At each speed data were obtained at a physiological pressure of 12 kPa and at a maximum flow condition. Four hundred data pairs were used for each resultant mean velocity vector value, representing greater than an order of magnitude more data pairs than reported previously in the literature on similar devices and resulting in velocity uncertainty levels of approximately 22.9%.

Sankovic, John M.↗

Sympathetic discharge and vascular resistance after bed rest

The effect of -6 degrees head-down-tilt bed rest (HDBR) for 14 days on supine sympathetic discharge and cardiovascular hemodynamics at rest was assessed. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate (n = 25), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; n = 16) burst frequency, and forearm blood flow (n = 14) were measured, and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) was calculated. Stroke distance, our index of stroke volume, was derived from measurements of aortic mean blood velocity (Doppler) and R-R interval (n = 7). With these data, an index of total peripheral resistance was determined. Heart rate at rest was greater in the post (71 +/- 2 beats/min)- compared with the pre-HDBR test (66 +/- 2 beats/min; P < 0.003), but mean arterial pressure was unchanged. Aortic stroke distance during post-HDBR (15.5 +/- 1.1 cm/beat) was reduced from pre-HDBR levels (20.0 +/- 1.5 cm/beat) (P < 0.03). Also, MSNA burst frequency was reduced in the post (16.7 +/- 2.8 beats/min)- compared with the pre (25.2 +/- 2.6 beats/min)-HDBR condition (P < 0.01). Bed rest did not alter forearm blood flow, FVR, or total peripheral resistance. Thus reductions in MSNA with HDBR were not associated with a decrease in FVR.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗

Fluid dynamics of heart assist device

Certain hemodynamic phenomena that arise in connection with the use of artificial blood pumping devices are reviewed. Among these are: (1) Flows produced by collapsing bulbs; (2) the impedance presented by the aorta; (3) limiting velocities and instability of flow in elastic vessels; (4) effectiveness of valveless arterio-arterial pumps, and (5) wave reflection phenomena and instabilities associated with the intra-aortic balloon pump.

Jones, R. T.↗

The cerebral hemodynamics of normotensive hypovolemia during lower-body negative pressure

Although severe hypovolemia can lead to hypotension and neurological decline, many patients with neurosurgical disorders experience a significant hypovolemia while autonomic compensatory mechanisms maintain a normal blood pressure. To assess the effects of normotensive hypovolemia upon cerebral hemodynamics, transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring of 13 healthy volunteers was performed during graded lower-body negative pressure of up to -50 mm Hg, an accepted laboratory model for reproducing the physiological effects of hypovolemia. Middle cerebral artery flow velocity declined by 16% +/- 4% (mean +/- standard error of the mean) and the ratio between transcranial Doppler ultrasound pulsatility and systemic pulsatility rose 22% +/- 8%, suggesting cerebral small-vessel vasoconstriction in response to the sympathetic activation unmasked by lower-body negative pressure. This vasoconstriction may interfere with the autoregulatory response to a sudden fall in blood pressure, and may explain the common observation of neurological deficit during hypovolemia even with a normal blood pressure.

Non-NASA Center↗

Development of ultrasonic methods of hemodynamic measurements

A pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocity meter which can be used (by modifying transducers) as a flowmeter for blood circulation was experimentally studied. Calculations and profiles of turbulent and laminar flow within blood vessels are shown. Graphs and charts of transducers are included.

Histand, M. B.↗

Pulsatile Newtonian frictional losses in a rigid tube.

Analytic expressions for the instantaneous average velocity and friction factor have been obtained for pulsatile Newtonian laminar flow with mean flow. Experimental pulsatile pressure gradients were found to be complex wave forms whose characteristics strongly influenced the experimental pulsatile average velocity and friction factor. Experimental and theoretical reduced instantaneous friction factor histories varied in a non-sinusoidal manner throughout the pulse cycle and exhibited extremum points. At high pulsation pressure ratios, substantial deviation occurred in the portion of the pulse cycle where the instantaneous average velocity approached zero. At low pulsation pressure ratios, the experimental and theoretical time average friction factor equaled unity and was independent of pulsation modulus. One potential application of this result is in the study of blood flow through small blood vessels.

Phillips, E. M.↗

Motions of a liquid in a pulsating bulb with application to problems of blood flow

Potential flows may be utilized to represent motions produced in pulsating bulbs. While the initial bulb shape may be arbitrary, sequential shapes are related by affine transformations. Two components appear in the distribution of pressure, one dependent on the instantaneous velocity and the other on the acceleration. For flows with stationary streamlines the inertial impedance is that of a simple mass, and is proportional to the first moment of the actual mass of fluid contained within the bulb. Examples treated are: (1) Expanding and collapsing circular cylinders, and (2) elliptical cylinders in which the perimeter is held constant. The thickness of the pulsatile laminar boundary layer is found to be approximately on millimeter for conditions in the vicinity of the heart. Conditions for separation and turbulence differ from those in steady flow.

Jones, R. T.↗