Several studies have assumed a parabolic velocity profile through the umbilical vein (UV) to derive the mean spatial velocity that is indispensable for flow rate calculations. However, the structure and arrangement of the umbilical cord suggest that velocity profiles may vary. The aim of this study was to evaluate UV spatial flow velocity profiles at different sites along the umbilical cord.
Laboratory of Mechanics of Biological Structures, Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano University of Milan, Milan, Italy. pennati@biomed.polimi.it
