Validity of the transfer function model of the human arterial system of the lower limb in man

A transfer function model of the human arterial system has been examined and tested on a group of 21 patients undergoing reconstructive arterial surgery in the leg. It was found that use of the model to estimate parameters relating to proximal (above femoral artery) arterial wall stiffness and radius is not reliable, the model being affected by the peripheral resistance. The value of the model parameters relating to the peripheral arterial radius is more consistent with the theory although there are still contradictions. It is concluded that the application of transfer function modelling to the diagnosis of arterial disease should be approached with caution.