A note on solutions of an equation modelling arterial deformation

The derivation of exact solutions for a partial differential equation modelling arterial deformation in large arteries is considered. Amongst other results, we show that, for any values of the parameters appearing in the equation, solutions in terms of the first Painlevé transcendent can be obtained. This is in spite of the non-integrability of the equation. We also establish a connection, via an approximation of the equation under study by the Korteweg-de Vries equation, with the second Painlevé equation. Our results thus serve to further demonstrate the wide applicability and importance of the Painlevé equations.