Invasive blood pressure monitoring system

Abstract

An invasive blood pressure monitoring system has a blood pressure transducer, a plug valve for ventilating the blood pressure transducer, and a display for displaying the monitored blood pressure. The controller determines whether the plug valve is open or closed, and provides or updates the displayed information upon detecting that the plug valve is open.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an invasive blood pressure monitoring system, i.e. blood monitoring using a catheter inserted into the vasculature of a subject. BACKGROUND

[0002] Invasive blood pressure monitoring is a method of continuous measurement of a patient's arterial blood pressure commonly used in intensive care settings. It is used in patients who need to be closely monitored, such as patients with critical illness, severe injuries or during surgical procedures.

[0003] The method comprises inserting a catheter into an artery, which is then connected to a transducer that converts the arterial pressure into an electrical signal. This signal is then displayed on a monitor and recorded for clinical use.

[0004] The accuracy of invasive blood pressure monitoring is crucial for patient safety and correct clinical management. However, inaccurate measurements can occur due to a variety of factors, including incorrect system zeroing. Zeroing the invasive blood pressure system ensures that the transducer is calibrated against atmospheric pressure, which is necessary to obtain accurate measurement results.

[0005] The zeroing process comprises several steps, including flushing the catheter to remove any air bubbles, ensuring that the transducer is at the same level as the venous axis (point corresponding to the right atrium), and opening a stopcock (to vent the pressure transducer to the atmosphere) to allow the transducer to reach equilibrium with atmospheric pressure. The zeroing process means that when the stopcock is open, the recorded blood pressure trace is a zero line. After completing the zeroing process, the clinician can verify the accuracy of the measurement by comparing it with an non-invasive blood pressure reading or performing a square wave test.

[0006] The zeroing process is a critical task that requires proper training and adherence to established protocols. The risk of complications such as infection, bleeding and arterial injury due to improper zeroing must be minimized. In addition, it must be ensured that the equipment is properly maintained and calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and safety.

[0007] The zeroing process comprises manual tasks that take up the time of the care provider and can lead to errors, such as medical use errors. The zeroing process requires proper training and concentration when actually performing the zeroing operation. In today's hospitals, care providers are under a lot of pressure due to high workloads, many tasks and also more paperwork. These circumstances can lead to delayed interventions (such as zeroing) or errors during the procedure, resulting in inaccurate invasive pressure readings. In addition, the user interface of current patient monitors does not facilitate the completion of the zeroing procedure most effectively.

[0008] There is a need to improve the zeroing task of invasive blood pressure measurements. SUMMARY

[0009] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0010] According to an example of an aspect of the invention, there is provided an invasive blood pressure monitoring system, comprising:

[0011] a catheter-based blood pressure transducer;

[0012] a stopcock valve for venting the blood pressure transducer;

[0013] a display for displaying the monitored blood pressure; and

[0014] a controller for controlling the display,

[0015] wherein the controller is configured to:

[0016] determine whether the stopcock valve is open or closed;

[0017] control the display to display a trace of the sensed blood pressure and to display information related to a zeroing function, wherein the information related to the zeroing function is provided or updated when it is detected that the stopcock valve is open.

[0018] The zeroing function of an invasive blood pressure system ensures that the transducer is calibrated against atmospheric pressure, which is necessary to obtain accurate measurement results. The need to provide a zeroing function complicates the information displayed to the user.

[0019] The system of the invention determines when the stopcock valve is open, to prepare for a zeroing procedure, and then adjusts the display accordingly. In this way, there is no need to clutter the display with information about the zeroing procedure before the zeroing procedure is started.

[0020] The user interface can further comprise a loudspeaker for providing audio feedback, e.g. voice feedback, and it can further comprise a microphone for receiving voice prompts to zero the invasive pressure line. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface can further comprise a gesture sensor, e.g. a gesture recognition sensor for receiving gesture prompts to zero the invasive pressure line. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface can further comprise an eye tracking sensor, e.g. virtual reality and / or augmented reality glasses comprising eye tracking technology, for receiving prompts to zero the invasive pressure line.

[0021] The catheter-based blood pressure transducer can have a zeroing line, or it can not have a zeroing line. If there is no zeroing line, the stopcock valve is used to balance the pressure transducer to atmospheric pressure. When a zeroing line is used, the stopcock valve is used to balance the pressure transducer to the zeroing line.

[0022] Venting can thus be to atmospheric pressure, or to a zero line.

[0023] The controller can be configured to detect whether the stopcock valve is open based on the pressure sensed by a catheter-based blood pressure transducer. When the stopcock valve is manually opened, the resulting pressure change can be sensed.

[0024] In the example, the controller can be configured to display an icon next to or within the displayed blood pressure trace when the stopcock valve is detected to be open, for user actuation to achieve the zeroing function; and to remove the icon when the stopcock valve is detected to be closed.

[0025] This implementation allows the user to initiate the zeroing process using a displayed icon, which is shown within or next to the blood pressure trace. This optimal placement of the icon for the zeroing function improves the efficiency of the zeroing process. The zeroing icon is removed once the system determines that the stopcock valve is closed.

[0026] In an embodiment, the controller can be configured to determine whether a blood pressure transducer is connected (i.e., whether it is connected to the controller) and control the display to show information related to the zeroing function, wherein the information related to the zeroing function is provided or updated when the blood pressure transducer is detected to be connected. Thus, the controller can determine when the blood pressure transducer is connected (e.g., inserted) and trigger the zeroing process. This can be achieved by the controller detecting and / or analyzing signals from the transducer. This embodiment is advantageous when the catheter-based blood pressure transducer has been replaced, for example, with a new transducer. For example, if it becomes dislodged or damaged in any way, it can be replaced. To reduce the risk of infection and complications, replacement every 3-4 days may also be necessary. Furthermore, if signs of infection appear at the catheter placement site, it may be necessary to remove the catheter and replace it with a replacement. The controller may display information related to the zeroing function a specific time (e.g., 1-10 seconds) after detecting transducer connection. The zeroing process may be restarted after the transducer is disconnected and reconnected.

[0027] In another example, the controller is configured to trigger an automatic zeroing process after a predetermined time interval following the detection of an open stopcock valve.

[0028] This provides a semi-automatic process that is initiated by manually opening a stopcock valve. Once the zeroing process is complete, visual and / or auditory feedback may be provided, and the system indicates whether the process was successful.

[0029] In another example, the system includes an actuator for driving a plug valve, wherein the controller is configured to determine when it is appropriate to perform a zeroing function and to automatically perform the zeroing function when appropriate.

[0030] This provides an automated process. For example, the process includes identifying when a zeroing function is needed, checking if a zeroing procedure can be performed, and then automatically opening the stopcock valve. This might be done, for example, using a servo motor. The system then performs the zeroing procedure and automatically closes the stopcock valve.

[0031] For example, a stopcock valve includes a sensor for sensing the position of the stopcock valve. This allows verification of the correct operation of the actuator.

[0032] The controller can be configured to determine that the zeroing function is unsuitable based on one or more of the following factors:

[0033] The patient's condition was critical;

[0034] The pressure sensed by the catheter blood pressure transducer contains noise exceeding a threshold.

[0035] The patient's hemodynamic status was unstable;

[0036] During the rinsing process; and

[0037] The pressure transducer is not at the correct level.

[0038] Therefore, the zeroing function is only permitted when it can be executed correctly and will not pose a danger to the patient.

[0039] For example, the controller is configured to control the display to provide a countdown to the auto-zero function and to provide an icon to allow cancellation of the auto-zero function. The countdown may be presented visually and / or audibly.

[0040] The present invention also provides a computer program comprising computer program code, which, when run on the controller of the aforementioned blood pressure monitoring system, is adapted to perform a method including the following operations:

[0041] Receive a determination of whether the stopcock valve is open or closed;

[0042] The display is controlled to show the trace of the sensed blood pressure and to show information related to the zeroing function.

[0043] The method includes providing or updating information related to the zeroing function when it is determined that the stopcock valve is open.

[0044] The method may also include:

[0045] Receive a determination of whether the blood pressure transducer is connected, and provide or update information related to the zeroing function when it is determined that the blood pressure transducer is connected.

[0046] The method may also include:

[0047] The display is controlled to show an icon next to or within the displayed blood pressure trace when the stopcock valve is detected to be open, for user actuation to achieve the zeroing function; and

[0048] Remove the icon when the stopcock valve is detected to be closed.

[0049] The method may also include:

[0050] After detecting that the stopcock valve is open, an automatic zeroing process is triggered after a predetermined time interval.

[0051] This can be considered a semi-automatic zeroing process.

[0052] The method may also include:

[0053] Determine when it is appropriate to use the zeroing function, and automatically implement the zeroing function when the time is right.

[0054] This can be considered a fully automated zeroing process.

[0055] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0056] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it can be practiced, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein,

[0057] Figure 1 An invasive blood pressure monitoring system is shown;

[0058] Figure 2 The output is displayed.

[0059] Figure 3 An example of display adjustment is shown in response to the detection of a stopcock valve opening and / or the detection that a blood pressure transducer is connected;

[0060] Figure 4 Another example of display adjustment is shown in response to the detection of a stopcock valve opening and / or the detection that a blood pressure transducer is connected;

[0061] Figure 5 This illustrates a method for implementing this display control function;

[0062] Figure 6 This demonstrates the implementation of a timer-based semi-automatic zeroing function;

[0063] Figure 7 The method for performing the automatic zeroing function is shown; and

[0064] Figure 8An example of an actuated plug valve is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0067] This invention provides an invasive blood pressure monitoring system comprising a blood pressure transducer, a stopcock valve for ventilating the transducer, and a display for showing the monitored blood pressure. A speaker can also provide auditory feedback. A controller determines whether the stopcock valve is open or closed and provides or updates the displayed information only when the stopcock valve is detected to be open.

[0068] Figure 1 An invasive blood pressure monitoring system 10 is shown, comprising: a catheter-based blood pressure transducer having a catheter 12 and a pressure transducer 14. A stopcock valve 16 is provided for venting the blood pressure transducer. In the example shown, the pressure transducer 14 is vented to the ambient environment 15. This is suitable for pressure transducers without a zero line. When a zero line is used, the stopcock valve 16 is alternatively used to balance the pressure transducer with the zero line. Therefore, ventilation can be to atmospheric pressure or to the zero line.

[0069] Display 20, controlled by controller 18, is used to display the monitored blood pressure. Additionally, microphone 21 is shown for receiving user input, such as voice commands; additionally or alternatively, gesture sensors and / or eye-tracking sensors may also be used to receive user input. Speaker 22 is shown for delivering audio output regarding the monitored blood pressure status, and may also include voice output.

[0070] The display could be a touchscreen, for example. Other user interface elements could also be used, such as a keyboard, mouse, or physical buttons.

[0071] The controller also monitors the function of the plug valve. Therefore, it determines whether the plug valve 16 is open or closed.

[0072] In some examples, the stopcock valve is manually operated by the user, making it possible to use sensors to detect whether the valve is open or closed. However, in the fully automatic implementation of this invention, the open or closed state of the stopcock valve is determined because the controller has already sent a control signal to open or close the valve.

[0073] The display outputs a trace of the sensed blood pressure and also shows information related to the zeroing function, such as an icon for activating the zeroing function. This zeroing function information is provided or updated when the stopcock is detected to be open. In an embodiment, the zeroing function information can also be provided or updated when the blood pressure transducer is detected to be connected to the controller. For example, this update means that the display no longer needs to display information about the zeroing process before the zeroing procedure is implemented.

[0074] Some different embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0075] The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of configuring and displaying information for the zeroing function (rather than actual control of the zeroing function itself). Therefore, the zeroing function remains a manual process.

[0076] An icon is typically displayed to the user, allowing them to instruct the system to perform a zeroing procedure. Therefore, this icon is used when a user wants to calibrate the pressure reading after placing the transducer at the correct height and opening the stopcock. Additionally, this icon can be used when the controller detects that the blood pressure transducer is connected to the system.

[0077] The reset function icon is dynamically placed (and removed). It is placed near the vital signs information on the screen to increase accessibility to the user interface controls for the reset function and improve process efficiency.

[0078] To achieve this dynamic behavior, the controller processes the analog signal received from the pressure transducer to determine whether the stopcock valve is open (e.g., to the atmosphere). Therefore, no additional sensors are required to detect the stopcock valve status.

[0079] In embodiments where the controller detects that a blood pressure transducer has been connected to the system, the dynamic behavior of the zeroing function is enabled by the controller detecting a signal from the transducer. For example, if the transducer is connected to the controller for the first time, the controller detects a new signal. If the transducer has been disconnected and reconnected, or if another blood pressure transducer has been connected to the controller, the controller will detect a new signal after a period of inactivity. The controller can also analyze the transducer's signal to determine the connection of a new transducer, for example, by analyzing the waveform morphology of the signal.

[0080] In this case, the zeroing function icon, which allows users to zero out a specific pressure line, can be placed either in the corresponding vital signs area or near the signal waveform area on the screen.

[0081] Figure 2 The display output includes vital signs trace 30 (arterial blood pressure, ABP) and blood pressure numerical reading 32. When the stopcock is closed, no information regarding the zeroing function is required on the screen.

[0082] In response to the detection of the stopcock valve opening, and optionally when the blood pressure transducer is detected to be connected to the controller, one option is to place the zeroing function icon 34 next to the pressure waveform (which is now a straight line due to the pressure transducer venting). This is in Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0083] Another option is to place the zeroing function icon 34 within a flat pressure waveform. This is in Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0084] The zeroing function icon is removed when the system determines that the stopcock valve is closed.

[0085] When the controller detects that the blood pressure transducer is connected, the zeroing function is activated. When the system detects that the zeroing process has been triggered, the zeroing function icon is then removed.

[0086] Figure 5 The method for implementing this function is shown.

[0087] In step 50, the pressure transducer signal is read. In step 52, the open / closed valve is determined based on the pressure reading. If not, the zeroing function icon may remain (or be) hidden in step 54. If the open / closed valve is open, the zeroing function icon is displayed in step 56. The process then ends and is repeated for the next pressure transducer measurement.

[0088] Optionally, in step 58, the controller determines whether a transducer is connected by detecting and / or analyzing signals from the catheter blood pressure transducers (12, 14). In step 59, it is determined whether a zeroing function is required. If the controller determines that a transducer is connected and a zeroing function is performed after the transducer is connected, the zeroing function icon may remain (or be) hidden in step 54. If the controller determines a new transducer connection, the zeroing function icon is displayed in step 56. This process then ends and is repeated after the controller detects a new transducer connection.

[0089] The zeroing process can be initiated based on voice commands, gestures, and / or eye tracking. The system only accepts voice prompts (e.g., “ABP zero”) and confirmation via gestures and / or eye tracking when the corresponding stopcock valve is open, and optionally, when the blood pressure transducer is detected to be connected to the controller and the zeroing function icon is visible. This ensures the safety and contextual relevance of voice, gesture, and / or eye-tracking commands and improves efficiency, as nurses do not need to walk to the patient's side. Sometimes the monitor is located on the other side of the bed, where the arterial catheter and transducer are also located.

[0090] The measured signals are processed for vital sign interpretation at a relatively high frequency, such as an interval of 32 milliseconds. Algorithms for determining whether the stopcock valve is open and (optionally) whether the blood pressure transducer is connected to the controller can use the same sampling rate or a portion thereof. For example, a shorter interval of 128 milliseconds would suffice.

[0091] A second embodiment of the invention additionally relates to the manner in which the zeroing function itself is controlled. Specifically, a timer-based semi-automatic zeroing function can be implemented.

[0092] When the valve is detected to be open, a timer is started, and after the timer counts down, the system triggers a zeroing process without user interaction with the display. For example, the countdown range is from 1 to 10 seconds, such as 3 seconds. The timer can be configured to suit the hospital's needs.

[0093] When the timer expires, the system will automatically reset the pressure to zero, but the user can still choose to manually trigger the zeroing function. The display / speaker is controlled to inform the user of the countdown to the start of the zeroing process via visual and / or auditory means. When the zeroing process is complete, the display can also provide visual and / or auditory feedback and indicate whether the process was successful.

[0094] Figure 6 The method for implementing this function is shown.

[0095] In step 60, the pressure transducer signal is read. In step 62, the open / closed valve is determined based on the pressure reading.

[0096] If the stopcock valve is open, the zeroing timer countdown begins in step 64. The countdown is displayed in step 66. The zeroing function icon is displayed in step 68.

[0097] In step 70, it is monitored whether the countdown has reached zero. If not, the countdown will be decremented by one in step 72, and this process will be repeated until the countdown actually reaches zero.

[0098] When the countdown reaches zero, pressure zeroing occurs in step 74. Feedback that the zeroing function has been completed is provided in step 76, and then the process ends and repeats in the next loop of the method.

[0099] If the stopcock valve is not detected to be open in step 62, the zeroing timer is reset in step 80. The countdown timer is hidden in step 82, and the zeroing function icon is hidden in step 84.

[0100] A third embodiment of the invention provides a fully automatic zeroing function. In this case, the stopcock valve is controlled by an actuator (e.g., a servo motor).

[0101] The fully automatic zeroing process uses the techniques explained above, but adds the ability to automatically control the stopcock valve via an actuator and some additional logic. For example, the actuator itself can determine the position of the stopcock valve.

[0102] Therefore, by actuating the stopcock valve, the position of the stopcock valve can be known directly without performing sensing (e.g., analyzing pressure transducer signals) to derive the stopcock valve position.

[0103] For a fully automated process, the system identifies when zeroing is needed. This may be based on a timing interval, and / or on detecting changes in patient position, and / or after the flushing process.

[0104] There are various cases where zero is required:

[0105] Initial setup: When inserting an invasive pressure line into a patient for the first time, it needs to be zeroed before use. This is typically done after the line is connected to a pressure monitoring system and before any pressure measurements are taken.

[0106] Periodic zeroing intervals: Depending on the institution's protocol, invasive pressure lines may require periodic zeroing. The frequency may vary, but it is typically performed at fixed intervals, such as every four hours, or when the patient's position or condition changes significantly. Therefore, one option for automating zeroing is to simply measure the time since the last zero point.

[0107] After repositioning: If the patient's position changes, such as from supine to upright or vice versa, the pressure line should be zeroed to ensure accurate measurement. This is necessary because the reference point for pressure changes with the patient's position. Camera technology, accelerometers, or voice recording can also be used to automatically detect the patient's position.

[0108] Transducer horizontal changes: If the pressure transducer is repositioned, the pressure line should be zeroed. This is important to ensure accurate measurements relative to the new reference point. Similarly, sensors such as accelerometers can be used to monitor the transducer position.

[0109] After the flushing process: If the system has been flushed, the pressure lines should be zeroed to ensure accurate measurements.

[0110] When the zeroing function is needed, the system checks whether the zeroing procedure can be executed (as described below). It then automatically opens the stopcock valve, executes the zeroing function, and automatically closes the stopcock valve.

[0111] Figure 7 The method for implementing this function is shown.

[0112] In step 90, the data is processed, which makes it possible to determine whether zeroing is required, as described above.

[0113] In step 92, it is determined whether a zeroing process is needed and whether it is possible.

[0114] For safety reasons, the system will not perform automatic zeroing under certain circumstances. For example:

[0115] The patient's condition is critical, and physiological alarms are being triggered by monitored stress.

[0116] The system identifies significant noise in the transducer signal, which indicates that the patient has moved (e.g., patient transfer, nursing procedures, etc.).

[0117] The transducer and the vein axis are not at the same level.

[0118] The patient's hemodynamic status was unstable;

[0119] During the rinsing process.

[0120] If it is impossible or unnecessary to return to zero, the process ends until the next repeated iteration of the process.

[0121] If zeroing is required and possible, the position of the plug valve is read in step 94 based on the information from the plug valve actuator.

[0122] Then, in step 96, it is determined whether the stopcock valve is open. If it is open, a zeroing function is performed in step 98. Then, in step 100, feedback is provided via a display / speaker that the zeroing function has been performed successfully. The process then ends until the next iteration of the process.

[0123] Successful zeroing can be determined using a plausibility check, such as a stable signal during the zeroing process (because atmospheric pressure is relatively stable). The calibrated pressure count value should be within a specific range relative to atmospheric pressure.

[0124] If the stopcock valve is not detected to be open in step 96, the zeroing timer countdown is started in step 102. In step 104, the countdown is displayed.

[0125] The countdown timer gives users the opportunity to manually cancel the process.

[0126] In step 106, it is monitored whether the countdown has reached zero. If not, the countdown will be decremented by one in step 108, and this process will be repeated until the countdown actually reaches zero.

[0127] When the countdown reaches zero, the stopcock valve is opened in step 110. Then, the zeroing function is performed in step 98. Again, in step 100, feedback is provided via a display / speaker that the zeroing function has been performed successfully. The process then ends until the next iteration of the process.

[0128] In the aforementioned semi-automatic or fully automatic methods, it is preferable that the plug valve can still be operated manually. For example, manually closing the plug valve may cancel and thus prevent the system from performing the zeroing process.

[0129] Figure 8 An example of an actuated plug valve is shown. The plug valve 16 includes a valve 110, a servo motor 112 for driving the valve, and a position sensor 114 for sensing the valve position.

[0130] The system sends commands to the stopcock valve, which controls the servo motor 112 to open or close the valve and enables the zeroing process. Additionally, sensor 114 provides data on the stopcock valve's position. The system can receive this data to detect whether the position is at the desired location. Therefore, the actuator's calibration operation is verified.

[0131] Therefore, there is no need to use sensors to determine the position of the stopcock valve, as it should be known based on the actuator drive signal. Sensors are used to check whether the stopcock valve is functioning correctly.

[0132] The system saves the current zeroing information before initiating a new automatic zeroing function so that it can recover from a failed zeroing attempt and notify the care provider.

[0133] As mentioned above, a flushing system is required when setting up conduits. When using actuated and sensor-driven valves, the flushing function can also be automatic, automatically flushing, detecting bubbles vs. liquid, and automatically shutting off.

[0134] Those skilled in the art, through studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the claims, will be able to understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0135] The functions implemented by a processor can be achieved by a single processor or by multiple independent processing units, which can be collectively considered as constituting a "processor". In some cases, these processing units may be geographically separated and communicate with each other via wired or wireless means.

[0136] Although specific measures are described in different dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0137] Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid-state media that are provided together with or as part of other hardware, but they can also be distributed in other forms such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0138] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as.” If the term “arrangement” is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the word “arrangement” is intended to be equivalent to the term “system,” and vice versa.

[0139] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An invasive blood pressure monitoring system (10), comprising: Catheter-based blood pressure transducers (12, 14). A plug valve (16) for venting the blood pressure transducer. A display (20) for showing the monitored blood pressure; and Controller (18) for controlling the display. The controller (18) is configured as follows: Determine whether the stopcock valve is open or closed; The display is controlled to show the trace of the sensed blood pressure (30) and to show information (34) related to the zeroing function, wherein the information related to the zeroing function is provided or updated when the stopcock valve is detected to be open.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine whether the blood pressure transducer is connected and to control the display to display information related to the zeroing function, wherein when the blood pressure transducer is detected to be connected, the information related to the zeroing function is provided or updated.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The stopcock valve (16) is used to ventilate the blood pressure transducer (14) with the surrounding environment.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The blood pressure transducer (14) includes a zero line, and the stopcock valve (16) is used to vent the blood pressure transducer to the zero line.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller is configured to detect the opening of the stopcock valve based on the pressure sensed by the blood pressure transducer.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The controller is configured to: When the valve is detected to be open, an icon is displayed next to or within the displayed blood pressure trace for user actuation to perform the zeroing function; and When the stopcock valve is detected to be closed, the icon (34) is removed.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The controller is configured to: After detecting that the stopcock valve is open, an automatic zeroing process is triggered after a predetermined time interval.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an actuator (112) for actuating the plug valve, wherein, The controller is configured to determine when it is appropriate to perform a zeroing function and to automatically perform the zeroing function when appropriate; and optionally, the stopcock valve includes a sensor (114) for sensing the position of the stopcock valve.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to determine that the zeroing function is unsuitable based on one or more of the following factors: The patient's condition was critical; The pressure sensed by the catheter blood pressure transducer contains noise exceeding a threshold. The patient's hemodynamic status was unstable; During the rinsing process; and The pressure transducer is not at the correct level.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The controller is configured to control the display to provide a countdown to the auto-zero function and to provide an icon to allow the auto-zero function to be cancelled.

11. A computer program comprising computer program code, wherein when the program is run on a controller of a blood pressure monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the computer program code is adapted to perform a method comprising the following operations: Receive a determination of whether the stopcock valve is open or closed; The display is controlled to show the trace of the sensed blood pressure (30) and to show information related to the zeroing function (34). in, The method includes providing or updating the information related to the zeroing function when it is determined that the stopcock valve is open.

12. The computer program according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a determination of whether the blood pressure transducer is connected, and wherein, when it is determined that the blood pressure transducer is connected, the information related to the zeroing function is provided or updated.

13. The computer program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further includes: Control the display to show an icon (34) next to or within the displayed blood pressure trace when the stopcock valve is detected to be open, for user actuation to implement the zeroing function; and When the stopcock valve is detected to be closed, the icon (34) is removed.

14. The computer program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further includes: After detecting that the stopcock valve is open, an automatic zeroing process is triggered after a predetermined time interval.

15. The computer program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further includes: Determine when it is appropriate to perform the zeroing function, and automatically implement the zeroing function when appropriate.

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