Blood Pressure Measurement Using High-Frequency Micro-Pulse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood pressure measurement systems, both manual and automated, face challenges in accuracy and reproducibility due to reliance on Korotkoff sounds, which are difficult to detect and require skilled operators, and oscillometric techniques that struggle with precise measurement of diastolic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure measurement system that uses high-frequency pressure sensors to detect micro-pulses associated with the opening and closing of arteries between systolic and diastolic pressures, allowing for accurate determination of blood pressure without relying on Korotkoff sounds or oscillometric techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated oscillometric techniques are used to measure blood pressure, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic Korotkoff sound detection system with an electronic sensor system that directly measures pressure waveforms. The sensor detects pressure changes in the cuff caused by arterial pulsations, converting mechanical pressure variations into electrical signals for automated analysis, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic intensity (Korotkoff sounds) to pressure waveform characteristics. By analyzing the shape, amplitude, and frequency of pressure waveforms rather than sound intensities, the system achieves more precise determination of systolic and diastolic pressures while remaining fully automated.
2Measurement precision
If Korotkoff sounds are used for blood pressure measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic detection method (requiring stethoscope and human ear) with electronic pressure sensors and signal processing circuits. This substitution maintains the precision of detecting arterial pressure events while simplifying the device and eliminating the need for operator training in acoustic interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated detection and analysis of pressure waveform features to determine blood pressure values. The microprocessor automatically identifies systolic and diastolic pressures from the waveform characteristics without requiring operator intervention or interpretation, making the device self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If Korotkoff sounds are used for blood pressure measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic signal detection with electronic pressure sensing. The pressure sensors directly measure mechanical pressure variations in the cuff caused by arterial pulsations, converting them to electrical signals that are immune to environmental acoustic noise, thereby preventing information loss in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic signal processing intermediary between the pressure sensor and the measurement output. The microprocessor filters, amplifies, and analyzes the pressure waveform signals, separating the relevant physiological information from any remaining noise and preserving measurement precision.
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 non-invasive, accurate, and reproducible blood pressure measurements, reducing the need for skilled operators and improving precision, especially in noisy environments, by directly sensing the pressure changes associated with arterial opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor in fluid communication with the cuff or chamber, said sensor able to sense cuff pressure and variances therein at least above 20Hz
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved blood pressure measurement system which is able to measure actual blood pressures. More specifically the invention relates to a blood pressure sensor or sphygmomanometer which is able to detect high frequencies that exist only between systole and diastole, and thus identify aspects such as micro-pulses associated with the opening and closing of an artery to achieve accurate blood pressure readings.