New Blood-Pressure Measuring Technique Using Characteristics of Arterial Volume Change

Abstract

A quasi-static model is assumed to be valid for volume change of the upstream half of the arterial segment under the cuff, according to our previous studies. The central portion of the segment is used for blood pressure measurement to avoid the effect of external pressure distribution of the artery. Based on the assumption and fluid dynamic consideration, cuff pressures corresponding to the start of volume fluctuation of the central artery under the cuff and blood flow resumption are adopted to elucidate approximate values of systolic arterial pressure. The cuff pressure corresponding to the maximum compliance of the artery segment is adopted to determine approximate values of diastolic pressure. The accuracy of these cuff pressure is examined analytically and in comparison with directly measured aortic blood pressures, and the values are shown to be reliable. Maximum compliance transmural pressure is known to be negative and to decrease with age.