Generation of a torsion wave and measuring its propagation velocity in the circumferential direction of arterial wall

Increased stiffness of the arteries has recently gained acceptance as a potential risk for cardiovascular and many other diseases. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is widely used for estimating the stiffness of an artery. However, PWV is an indicator of average artery stiffness between two measuring points. In addition to measured PWV, the diameter and thickness are needed to calculate the elastic modulus of the artery. We present a new method to generate a torsion wave in the artery wall and measure its propagation speed in the circumferential direction of the artery. The elastic modulus of the artery can be calculated from the torsion wave velocity without the knowledge of the thickness of the artery, which is difficult to measure with accuracy.