Cuff Occlusion Cardiac Output Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for measuring cardiac output are either difficult to use outside healthcare facilities, technically challenging, or less accurate, and often require sophisticated and expensive equipment, making them unsuitable for routine or portable use.
Innovation Solution
A cuff occlusion method involving an inflatable cuff to occlude the brachial artery, detect blood pressure pulse wave measurement curves, determine an average and maximal blood pressure curve, and calculate cardiac output using a simple formula, allowing for non-invasive and minimally invasive estimation of cardiac output and stroke volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated non-invasive equipment is used to measure cardiac output, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simplified pneumatic system. An inflatable cuff applies pressure to the arm, and pressure transducers convert mechanical pressure into electrical signals for analysis. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through electronic signal processing of the pressure waveforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the cardiovascular system response by measuring pressure waveforms in the arm during cuff deflation. Instead of directly measuring cardiac output, the system copies the hemodynamic information through pressure curve analysis, using the relationship between cuff pressure changes and arterial pressure waves to derive cardiac output metrics.
2Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to measure cardiac output, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inflatable cuff as an intermediary device between the measurement system and the patient's body. The cuff indirectly measures hemodynamic parameters through pressure transmission to the brachial artery, avoiding direct intrusion into the cardiovascular system. This intermediary approach maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the harmful effects of invasive procedures.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated non-invasive equipment is used, then cardiac output can be measured accurately, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated analysis of the pressure waveforms through computer-based processing. The system automatically detects key points in the pressure curves, calculates derived parameters, and determines cardiac output without requiring manual intervention or expert interpretation. This self-service capability reduces the technical expertise needed while maintaining measurement accuracy through consistent algorithmic analysis.
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 method provides accurate and convenient cardiac output estimation with reduced patient discomfort, recovery times, and costs, while being portable and easy to operate, with results comparable to invasive methods and other non-invasive techniques like the open circuit acetylene method.
Implementation Method 1
occluding, using an inflatable cuff device for a period of time, a brachial artery of the patient
Implementation Method 2
detecting, using the inflatable cuff while the brachial artery is occluded, a heart rate and a plurality of blood pressure pulse wave measurement curves
Data Source
AI summary
Non-invasive systems can be used to estimate cardiac output and stroke volume. For example, this document provides cuff occlusion systems and methods for their use so that cardiac output and stroke volume can be estimated in a non-invasive fashion. In some implementations, a patient's brachial artery is occluded by an inflatable cuff device for a period of time. A heart rate and a plurality of blood pressure pulse wave measurement curves can be measured using the cuff device. The data collected can be used to calculate an estimate of the patient's cardiac output and stroke volume.