Systems and method for performing pulse wave velocity measurements

A system for performing intravascular pulse wave velocity measurements, the system comprising:

• an intravascular ultrasound device adapted to:
• generate, using a single sensor, a plurality of intravascular ultrasonic pulses at a pulse origin, wherein the plurality of intravascular ultrasonic pulses are directed along a vessel;
• for each of the plurality of intravascular ultrasonic pulses, receive a plurality of echoes from a plurality of distances relative to the pulse origin, using the single sensor;
• and
• a processor adapted to:
• obtain a first ultrasound Doppler signal from a first distance relative to the pulse origin based on a plurality of echoes;
• identify a change in velocity at the first distance based on the first ultrasound Doppler signal;
• obtain a second ultrasound Doppler signal from a second distance relative to the pulse origin based on the plurality of echoes;
• identify the change in velocity at the second distance based on the second ultrasound Doppler signal;
• determine a time delay based on the change in velocity at the first distance and the change in velocity at the second distance, wherein the time delay corresponds to a time for the change in velocity to propagate from the first distance to the second distance;
• calculate a pulse wave velocity based on the time delay;
• and
• provide an output based on the pulse wave velocity to a display.