Aortic pressure-diameter relationship assessed by intravascular ultrasound: experimental validation in dogs

Measurements of abdominal aortic diameters derived from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and those obtained from sonomicrometers were compared to assess the validity of IVUS in assessing the changes in pressure-diameter relationship. Sonomicrometer measurements were matched by IVUS at different blood pressure levels. The results showed that IVUS is a feasible method in measuring dynamic changes in aortic dimensions and has the potential to provide ready access to assess aortic compliance in humans.