[Research on high-order Windkessel model for assessing vascular compliance]

In this paper, we propose the construction of a fifth-order Windkessel model, and give complete mathematical solutions for this model. Utilizing the diastolic pulse wave analytical methods, we derived the parameters of the mathematical model. The parameters were further applied to estimate arterial compliance, blood flow inertia, peripheral resistance and other indices. With simulation tools we assess the validity of the model, and built a simulation circuit with the model parameters R, C and L. The model parameters were obtained from the high-order Windkessel model. The stroke volume of left ventricle is employed as the input of the simulation circuit. At the end of the circuit, the responding signal was gained. And it in turn was compared with the measured pulse waveform. The results show that the fifth-order Windkessel model is superior to the third-order Windkessel model in the pulse wave fitting and stability, and thus better reflects the role of microvessles in the circulatory system.