High resolution angiometers for the assessment of the elastic modulus

Distensibility and compliance are vessel wall properties of large arteries that determine their dynamic behaviour and play a role in cardiovascular disease. At present, arterial distensibility and compliance can be accurately investigated using noninvasive ultrasound techniques. Echo-tracking devices in particular are suited to study local distensibility and compliance of several superficial large arteries. The best-known echo-tracking devices (Nius02 and Wall Track System) are briefly outlined with respect to their advantages and disadvantages. These techniques have shown a good reproducibility and accuracy. The two devices are complementary and can be applied to different parts of the arterial tree. The results of the studies done with echo-tracking devices give insight in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases in different arterial territories. In to the future it may be possible to use local arterial wall properties together with cardiac wall hypertrophy as important markers of future cardiovascular risk and as relevant parameters for the evaluation of pharmacological interventions.