This publication primarily focuses on the macro- and micro- rheological behavior of blood and its formed elements, on interactions between the formed elements and blood vessel walls, and on the microvascular aspects of hemodynamics. Since many aspects of hemorheology and hemodynamics are affected by disease or clinical states, these effects are discussed as are hyperviscosity syndromes, therapy for disturbed blood rheology, and methods in hemorheology and hemodynamics. Sections of the Handbook include History of Hemorheology; Hemorheology, covering basic aspects, blood composition, blood rheology, cell mechanics, pathophysiology, methods and comparative studies; Hemodynamics, covering basic principles, microcirculation, in vivo effects, endothelium and methods; and Clinical Aspects of Hemorheology, covering hyperviscosity, clinical significance and treatment. The goal is to foster greater interchange between workers in the fields so as to promote collaborative efforts and, hopefully, improved health. In selecting topics for this handbook the editors have attempted to provide a general overview of both basic science and clinical hemorheology and hemodynamics. Hemorheology and hemodynamics are closely related, the former dealing with all aspects of the flow and interactions of the individual blood cells mostly studied in vitro, the latter with the in vivo relationships among vessel architecture, driving pressure, flow rate and shear stress. The linkage between the in vitro and in vivo research described in the book will be of interest to both basic science and clinical investigators. The editors of the handbook have each been active in the fields of bio- and hemorheology for many years, and have published extensively. They have successfully achieved their objective to publish a well-written and well-edited handbook that will be valuable for researchers and students in the field.

This publication primarily focuses on the macro- and micro-rheological behavior of blood and its formed elements, on interactions between the formed elements and blood vessel walls, and on the microvascular aspects of hemodynamics. Since many aspects of hemorheology and hemodynamics are affected by disease or clinical states, these effects are discussed as are hyperviscosity syndromes, therapy for disturbed blood rheology, and methods in hemorheology and hemodynamics. Sections of the Handbook include History of Hemorheology; Hemorheology, covering basic aspects, blood composition, blood rheology, cell mechanics, pathophysiology, methods and comparative studies; Hemodynamics, covering basic principles, microcirculation, in vivo effects, endothelium and methods; and Clinical Aspects of Hemorheology, covering hyperviscosity, clinical significance and treatment. The goal is to foster greater interchange between workers in the fields so as to promote collaborative efforts and, hopefully, improved health. In selecting topics for this handbook the editors have attempted to provide a general overview of both basic science and clinical hemorheology and hemodynamics. Hemorheology and hemodynamics are closely related, the former dealing with all aspects of the flow and interactions of the individual blood cells mostly studied in vitro, the latter with the in vivo relationships among vessel architecture, driving pressure, flow rate and shear stress. The linkage between the in vitro and in vivo research described in the book will be of interest to both basic science and clinical investigators. The editors of the handbook have each been active in the fields of bio- and hemorheology for many years, and have published extensively. They have successfully achieved their objective to publish a well-written and well-edited handbook that will be valuable for researchers and students in the field.

Haemorheology is the study of how the blood, the blood cells and the vessels can function and interact as parts of the living organism. It is presented in this text as a sensitive tool for the recognition of the functional evidences and defects of blood flow.

Hemorheologic therapy has gained considerably in importance in recent years. This detailed and comprehensive book enumerates, discusses, and critically evaluates those treatment methods in which therapeutic success rests essentially on achieving an improvement in hemodynamics. After a general account of clinical hemorheology, fundamental aspects of hemorheologic methods and the eval- uation and assessment of hemorheologic parameters are discussed and the pathophysiology is described in detail. The treatment methods and substances that bring about improvement of the hemodynamics are described in chronologic order of first publication, and in each case all known later publications are also discussed in the order in which they appeared. This topical account of hemorheologic therapy - the results reported to date and the spectrum of applications - will be a valuable addition to the library both of the specialist and of all interested doctors in hospital and general practice.

The task the editors have set themselves is to survey the field of clinical hemorheology from basic principles to up-to-date research. It is only in a new science like this that it is possible to span the whole field in a book of this size. Hemorheology, as a new approach to the study and management of a wide range of circulatory diseases, is now beginning to appear with increasing frequency in general as well as specialized medical journals. Hemorheology is also just beginning to creep into the undergraduate medical curriculum. Therefore, the majority of graduate doctors are unequipped to assess the place of hemorheology in the overall framework of circulatory physiology and pathology or to assess its relevance to their everyday practice. It is hoped that this book will fill this gap. The approach of the book is interdisciplinary. The first part deals with basic principles of blood flow, circulation and hemorheology. It has been written with the general doctor in mind, who has no special knowledge of hemodynamics and rheological concepts, terminology or methodology. To maintain the emphasis on practical clinical applications, all the chapters in the second part of the book have been written by clinical specialists practicing in the individual areas of disease. The book is so designed that clinicians may be able to read the relevant chapters in the second part of the book in isolation, using the basic science aspects contained in the first part of the book as reference chapters.

This series presents reviews covering all aspects of haemodynamics and haemorheology. Topics covered include the complexities of microcirculation, the rheology of blood and blood vessels, and the mechanics of blood flow in arteries and veins. The contributions aim to reflect the advances being made in experimental techniques and instrumentation for laboratory and clinical measurements and in numerical and mathematical modelling. Emphasis is placed on the scientific and engineering principles involved, but particular attention is also given to the clinical significance of this area of research. Topics covered by this volume include viscoelastic properties of blood and blood analogues; blood flow through narrow tubes; and numerical modelling of blood flow.

Red blood cells in humans—and most other mammals—have a tendency to form aggregates with a characteristic face-to-face morphology, similar to a stack of coins. Known as rouleaux, these aggregates are a normally occurring phenomenon and have a major impact on blood rheology. What is the underlying mechanism that produces this pattern? Does this really happen in blood circulation? And do these rouleaux formations have a useful function? The first book to offer a comprehensive review of the subject, Red Blood Cell Aggregation tackles these and other questions related to red blood cell (RBC) aggregates. The book covers basic, clinical, and physiological aspects of this important biophysical phenomenon and integrates these areas with concepts in bioengineering. It brings together state-of-the-art research on the determinants, mechanisms, and measurement and effects of RBC aggregation as well as on variations and comparative aspects. After an introductory overview, the book outlines factors and conditions that affect RBC aggregation. It presents the two hypotheses—the bridging model and the depletion model—that provide potential mechanisms for the adhesive forces that lead to the regular packing of the cells in rouleaux formations. The book also reviews the methods used to quantify RBC aggregation in vitro, focusing on their importance in clinical practice. Chapters discuss the effect of RBC aggregation on the in vitro rheology of blood as well as on tube flow. The book also looks at what happens in the circulation when red blood cells aggregate and examines variations due to physiological and pathophysiological challenges. The concluding chapter explores the formation of red blood cell aggregates in other mammals. Written by leading researchers in the field, this is an invaluable resource for basic science, medical, and clinical researchers; graduate students; and clinicians interested in mammalian red blood cells.