Arterial Compliance Sensor with Integrated Volume Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive methods for determining arterial compliance are prone to systematic errors due to the need for accurate representation and recalibration of cuff compliance, leading to indirect and less precise measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with an inflatable cuff, pressure sensor, and a second sensor integrated in the cuff to directly measure arterial volume changes caused by pulsating blood flow, allowing for direct calculation of arterial compliance without relying on cuff compliance calculations, using a processing unit to evaluate pressure and volume changes during cuff deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive indirect blood pressure monitoring by means of oscillometry is used, then the measurement is non-invasive and suitable for continuous monitoring, but the arterial compliance determination is indirect and prone to systematic errors due to cuff compliance representation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second sensor as an intermediary device integrated into the cuff to directly detect arterial volume changes. This mediator bridges the gap between the non-invasive cuff approach and direct arterial measurement, allowing accurate compliance determination without invasive procedures. The second sensor acts as a translator that converts arterial wall movements into measurable signals while eliminating the need for complex cuff compliance calculations.
2Measurement precision
If cuff compliance recalibration is performed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision may be improved, but the complexity of the device and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor enables the system to self-measure arterial volume changes directly, eliminating the need for external recalibration procedures. The sensor autonomously provides accurate compliance data through direct detection, making the system self-sufficient and removing the burden of complex recalibration steps from the user or operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the compliance determination function from the complex cuff compliance calculation process and places it directly into the second sensor integrated in the cuff. This separation removes the need for external recalibration equipment and procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a second sensor integrated in the cuff is used to directly measure arterial volume changes, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second sensor directly into the cuff structure, combining two previously separate functions (cuff inflation/deflation and arterial volume detection) into a single integrated device. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling direct compliance measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more exact and user-friendly method for assessing arterial compliance, reducing errors and preparation time, with both sensors positioned close to the artery for precise parameter determination.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor which is configured to sense a pressure signal that is indicative of a pressure within the cuff
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor which is at least partly integrated in the cuff and configured to sense a second signal that is responsive to expansions and contractions of the cuff caused by a pulsating blood flow in an artery of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for determining an arterial compliance of a subject (12). The device (10) comprises an inflatable cuff (14), a pressure sensor (18) which is configured to sense a pressure signal (52) that is indicative of a pressure within the cuff (14), a second sensor (20) which is at least partly integrated in the cuff (14) and configured to sense a second signal (56) that is responsive to expansions and contractions of the cuff (14) caused by a pulsating blood flow in an artery (50) of the subject (12), and a processing unit (22). The processing unit is configured to determine based on said part of the pressure signal (52) a pulse pressure of the subject (12), to determine based on said part of the second signal (56) an arterial volume change of the artery (50) of the subject (12) during at least one cardiac cycle, and to determine the arterial compliance of the subject (12) based on pulse pressure and the arterial volume change.