Blood Pressure Cuff Atrial Fibrillation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring blood pressure and detecting atrial fibrillation are often uncomfortable and require multiple readings, which can be inaccurate and time-consuming, especially when the absence of atrial fibrillation is determined.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures blood pressure and indicates the presence of atrial fibrillation by analyzing a minimum number of heartbeats sequences, maintaining cuff pressure between sequences to enhance accuracy, and only continuing measurements if atrial fibrillation is detected, using a controllable valve for precise inflation and deflation to analyze multiple sequences without patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple readings are taken during separate inflation and deflation cycles to improve accuracy, then the accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation is improved, but the measurement becomes uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains cuff inflation continuously across multiple measurement sequences without deflating between them. The control unit keeps the cuff inflated at a pressure level that allows detection of pressure variations for multiple sequences, enabling continuous measurement of atrial fibrillation presence across multiple heart beat sequences while the patient remains comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device determines the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation in a first sequence before proceeding to subsequent sequences. If atrial fibrillation is detected in the first sequence, the device continues with additional sequences; if not detected, the measurement is terminated early, avoiding unnecessary prolonged inflation and improving patient comfort.
2Measurement precision
If the device continues taking measurements after the first sequence shows atrial fibrillation, then the accuracy of determination is enhanced, but the measurement time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs a preliminary determination of atrial fibrillation presence in the first sequence. Based on this preliminary result, it decides whether to continue with additional sequences. This conditional continuation approach ensures accurate determination only when necessary, minimizing unnecessary measurement time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is made dynamic and adaptive. The control unit adjusts the number of sequences measured based on the results of previous sequences. If atrial fibrillation is detected in early sequences, additional sequences are performed; if not detected, the process terminates early, optimizing measurement time based on real-time results.
3Loss of time
If the cuff pressure is released after determining absence of atrial fibrillation in a first sequence, then the measurement time is reduced, but the opportunity for further accurate determination is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The first sequence serves as a preliminary screening step. The control unit evaluates the result of this preliminary sequence and makes an informed decision whether to continue with additional sequences or release the cuff. This approach reduces measurement time when atrial fibrillation is absent while preserving accuracy when it is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses feedback from each measurement sequence to control the continuation of the measurement process. The control unit monitors the results of each sequence and adjusts the measurement protocol accordingly, releasing the cuff when confidence in the negative result is sufficient or continuing when further verification is needed, thus optimizing both time and accuracy.
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
The device provides a more accurate and comfortable measurement of blood pressure and atrial fibrillation detection, reducing measurement time and false positives by determining atrial fibrillation presence in fewer sequences and maintaining cuff pressure for precise analysis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the pressure inside a cuff during at least one sequence, determining the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation on the basis of pressure variations inside the cuff
Implementation Method 2
providing a device for measuring blood pressure having a cuff, wrapping the cuff around an arm of a patient, inflating the cuff, measuring the pressure inside a cuff
Implementation Method 3
the control unit is configured to release the pressure from the cuff or continue to inflate the cuff
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) and corresponding method for measuring blood pressure and for indicating the presence of atrial fibrillation, comprising an inflatable cuff (2) adapted to be wrapped around an extremity of a patient. A device (1) further comprises a pump (3) for inflating said cuff and at least one pressure sensor (4) for measuring the pressure inside the cuff. Additionally, the device (1) comprises a pressure relief valve (5) for deflating said cuff (2) and a control unit (6) for controlling operation of said pump (3) and of said pressure relief valve (5). The device (1) comprises a cuff calculating unit (7) for determining the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation on the basis of pressure variation sensed within said sensor (4), wherein the calculating unit (7) is adapted to independently determine the presence of atrial fibrillation on the basis of at least one, preferably two sequences, of pulse beats. The control unit (6) is configured to maintain said pressure in a predefined range or restores said pressure to a predefined range for an additional sequence and to determine the presence of atrial fibrillation only if the calculating unit (7) determines the presence of atrial fibrillation during a first and/or preceding sequence.