Background: Arterial pulse wave velocity and pulse waveform analysis have become an established component of cardiovascular research. As validation and assessment of devices is not always trivial in an in vivo setting, arterial network computer models may be useful for that purpose. It is, however, mandatory that the model includes sufficient detail, especially when analysing peripheral waveforms.

Objectives: To extend the existing 1D arterial network model (103 segments) of Reymond et al. to a more detailed model (143 segments) including the foot and hand circulation (radial and tibial arteries). The arterial tree dimensions and properties were taken from the literature and completed with data from patient scans. The model solves the one-dimensional form of the Navier-Stokes equations over each arterial segment. A non-linear viscoelastic constitutive law for the arterial wall was considered.

Results: Comparison of simulations with and without detailed hand and foot circulation demonstrate important differences in waveform morphology in the distal beds. The completed model predicts pressure and flow waves in the hand and foot arteries which are in good qualitative agreement with the published in-vivo measurements. The agreement is especially good for the shape and wave details of the flow wave, where all features are reproduced in a rather faithful manner.

Conclusions: The extended model yields realistic pressure and flow waveforms in arteries of the hand and the foot. After full validation, this extended model will be used to assess the performance of diagnostic and screening devices relying on peripheral hemodynamics signals, such as the pOpmètre^®.