Reflection Index: Ri - CareFusion PulseTrace PCA2 Manual Operativo

Depending on the vascular tone and large artery stiffness, the
characteristics of the DVP waveform may change. Please refer to
page 29 for some examples of typical waveforms.
The PulseTrace PCA2 derives two indices from the contour analysis of
the DVP: the reflection index and the stiffness index.

Reflection index: RI

The height of the reflected
wave (diastolic component)
of the DVP relates to the
amount of wave reflection,
which is mainly related to the
tone of small arteries
The reflection index (RI) is defined as the relative height of the
diastolic peak (or inflection point) expressed as a percentage of the
total amplitude of the DVP waveform.
The reflection index can be used to perform:
1. Vasoactive drug assessment - Vasoactive drugs exert their
effects through a reduction in arterial tone and hence influence
pressure wave reflection. PulseTrace PCA2 provides a simple,
non-invasive measurement of wave reflection and can be
readily integrated into drug development programmes.
2. Endothelial function testing – Endothelial dysfunction is seen as
one of the most important initiating events in the development
of vascular diseases. Pulse contour analysis can be used in the
assessment of endothelial function by simply measuring the
change in wave reflection in response to an endothelium-
dependent vasodilator drug such as Salbutamol (Albuterol) or
other stimulus (see page 22 for more details).
2
.
25