Arteries are subjected to a pulsatile pressure centered on a constant mean pressure in vivo. This oscillating pressure may increase due to atherosclerotic and age-related wall stiffening, or may be disrupted by the use of cardiopulmonary bypass machines and ventricular assist devices. Previous research has reported that restoration of pulsatile flow improves microcirculation and blood flow to the organs, however little is known about how pulsatile pressure affects the vasculature.

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