Tortuous Artery Flow Profile Reconstruction with Triplex Ultrasound

The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a Dean number parameter that quantifies flow asymmetry in curved arteries. Instead of assuming axial symmetry, the method calculates the Dean number based on artery curvature and uses it to determine an asymmetry factor that modifies the flow profile calculation, thereby accurately representing asymmetric flow patterns in tortuous arteries while maintaining measurement simplicity through automated computational processing.

The patent introduces the Dean number as a new dimensionless parameter that characterizes flow asymmetry in curved arteries. By calculating the Dean number from readily available ultrasound measurements (artery diameter, curvature radius) and using it to determine an asymmetry factor, the method enhances measurement precision without requiring complex additional imaging equipment, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving accuracy.

The patent addresses the misconception that maximum velocity occurs at the artery center in curved vessels by introducing the Dean number-based asymmetry factor. This factor quantifies the shift in maximum velocity location from the centerline toward the outer wall in curved arteries, allowing the system to automatically correct velocity measurements and maintain operational simplicity while improving velocity location accuracy.