In 8 anesthetized dogs, excess pressures were calculated from pressure and flow measurements at 4 locations along the aorta; wave intensity analysis was employed to identify wavefronts and the type of waves.
We found that forward compression and decompression waves generated by the left ventricle are reflected, first, from a negative or ¡°open-end?reflection site near the renal arteries (32.0 ¡À 0.8 cm [SEM] from the aortic root) and, second, from a positive site in the femoral arteries (65.3 ¡À 2.8 cm or 54.9 ¡À 2.1 cm, based on 2 alternative extrapolation techniques).
Aortic wave propagation and reflection can be demonstrated clearly and directly by wave intensity analysis after volume-related changes¨Cchanges in reservoir or windkessel pressure¨Cin aortic pressure are accounted for.