The mechanical properties of the large arteries are important determinants in the circulation physiology. Quantities associated with vessel wall elasticity are of particular interest since they offer a possibility to separate diseased arteries from healthy. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a local measure of the arterial wall elasticity. This paper describes a new improved method for non-invasive local PWV estimation. The PWV estimation is based on arterial wall movements, which is detected by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI), a color Doppler optimized for low velocities. The TDI facility allows the artery to be measured at several positions simultaneously, which improves the PWV estimation considerably. The method is validated with respect to operator repeatability and operator reproducibility in a limited clinical study.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging" that was published in Applied Sciences

Early Vascular Aging (EVA): New Directions in Cardiovascular Protection, Second Edition continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on premature alterations in artery structure and function. The book presents a novel approach to the problem of cardiovascular disease, showing it in relation to great vessels disease and revealing a comprehensive approach to the problem of increased rigidity of the great vessels, its causes, and further consequences. This second edition contains completely updated content with expanded coverage of basic and translational research, systematic reviews of the most prominent literature, discussion of applicability of new evidence and more. Written by an international team of clinicians and researchers, this is a valuable resource to basic and translational scientists, clinical researchers and clinicians in the cardiovascular field interested in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EVA. - Contains all the relevant information available on the main paradigm shifts in vascular aging research, from different fields of knowledge (from basic biology to epidemiology) - Reviews the most prominent evidence produced on early vascular aging (EVA), highlighting recent research advances, clinical applications, and research opportunities - Formulates, in each chapter, a set of research questions that need to be addressed, challenging the vast research community to take on new directions and collaborations

This book is a dedicated resource for those sitting the Part A of the MCEM (Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine) examination. It forms an essential revision guide for emergency trainees who need to acquire a broad understanding of the basic sciences, which underpin their approach to clinical problems in the emergency department. Common clinical scenarios are used to highlight the essential underlying basic science principles, providing a link between clinical management and a knowledge of the underlying anatomical, physiological, pathological and biochemical processes. Multiple choice questions with reasoned answers are used to confirm the candidates understanding and for self testing. Unlike other recent revision books which provide MCQ questions with extended answers, this book uses clinical cases linked to the most recent basic science aspects of the CEM syllabus to provide a book that not only serves as a useful revision resource for the Part A component of the MCEM examination, but also a unique way of understanding the processes underlying common clinical cases seen every day in the emergency department. This book is essential for trainees sitting the Part A of the MCEM exam and for clinicians and medical students who need to refresh their knowledge of basic sciences relevant to the management of clinical emergencies.

Arterial stiffness is now firmly established as an important and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. The structural and functional changes of the large arteries may be age-related, but a number of conditions have been associated with accelerated arterial stiffening including the hypertensive diseases, atherosclerosis, end-stage renal disease, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and smoking. This book presents the current thinking of international experts regarding the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular risk, and the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of large arterial stiffness and reduced large arterial distensibility. It not only gives new insights into the relationship between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, but also establishes the possible interactions with age and other cardiovascular factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Finally, the therapeutic means of approaching arterial stiffness are analyzed in detail and new perspectives for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases are developed. Authoritative and up-to-date, this book is a valuable resource for basic scientists interested in vascular physiology and pathophysiology, for clinicians in the areas of cardiology, diabetes and renal diseases, as well as for investigators in drug development.

This open access book gives a complete and comprehensive introduction to the fields of medical imaging systems, as designed for a broad range of applications. The authors of the book first explain the foundations of system theory and image processing, before highlighting several modalities in a dedicated chapter. The initial focus is on modalities that are closely related to traditional camera systems such as endoscopy and microscopy. This is followed by more complex image formation processes: magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray projection imaging, computed tomography, X-ray phase-contrast imaging, nuclear imaging, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography.