Cuff Blood Pressure Measurement with Pulse-Wave Arteriosclerosis Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure measuring devices lack the capability to accurately estimate arteriosclerosis levels and often require complex calculations to derive augmentation indexes, which can be cumbersome and less precise.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure measuring apparatus that analyzes pulse waveform signals to calculate arteriosclerosis indices such as augmentation index (AI) or augmentation pressure (AP) by deriving characteristic values from oscillometric waveforms, using a cuff, inflation and deflation units, a pressure sensor, and an operation and analysis unit to control pressure changes and calculate indices based on these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electronic sphygmomanometer maintains cuff pressure at a certain value for several or tens seconds to measure blood pressure, then blood pressure measurement can be completed, but the device cannot accurately estimate arteriosclerosis level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the cuff at the first pressure level for a specified interval before the deflation phase to capture pulse waveform signals. This preliminary measurement phase enables the device to estimate arteriosclerosis indices (such as augmentation index) before completing the standard blood pressure measurement, thereby adding diagnostic capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) inflation to first pressure, (2) maintenance at first pressure for specified interval, (3) inflation to second pressure, and (4) deflation. This segmentation allows the device to perform multiple measurements (blood pressure and arteriosclerosis estimation) in a structured sequence, improving measurement precision while keeping the process manageable
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cuff is inflated to a pressure far higher than averaged systolic blood pressure and then deflated to measure blood pressure using oscillometric method, then blood pressure can be measured, but the device cannot simultaneously provide accurate arteriosclerosis estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same cuff and pressure sensor system to perform both blood pressure measurement and arteriosclerosis estimation. The operation and analysis unit processes pulse waveform signals captured during the pressure maintenance phase to calculate arteriosclerosis indices, allowing the device to serve dual diagnostic purposes without requiring separate measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by maintaining the cuff at a specific first pressure level for a specified interval, which creates optimal conditions for capturing pulse waveform signals. This parameter change (pressure level and duration) enables the extraction of characteristic values from pulse waves that can be used to estimate arteriosclerosis, while still being part of the standard blood pressure measurement protocol
3Measurement precision
If conventional device measures blood pressure by inflating cuff to high pressure and deflating, then blood pressure measurement is achieved, but complex calculations are required to derive augmentation index which reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The operation and analysis unit automatically performs signal processing and arteriosclerosis index calculation using the pulse waveform data captured during the measurement. The system self-services by deriving characteristic values from the recorded pulse waves and computing arteriosclerosis estimates without requiring external intervention or complex manual calculations, thereby improving precision while managing computational complexity internally
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
Provides accurate estimation of arteriosclerosis indices through precise calculation of augmentation indexes, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of blood pressure measurement devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor used for sensing at least one oscillometric waveform of pressure variation within the cuff
Implementation Method 2
an inflation unit pressurizing the cuff
Implementation Method 3
a deflation unit depressurizing or discharging the cuff
Data Source
AI summary
A blood pressure measuring apparatus with a cuff comprises a cuff, an inflation unit, a deflation unit, a pressure sensor, a signal record and storage unit, and an operation and analysis unit. The operation and analysis unit is used to control the inflation unit and the deflation unit to increase the pressure within the cuff to a first pressure, maintain the pressure at the first pressure for a specified interval, then increase the pressure to a second pressure, and decrease the pressure. The blood pressure measurement is accordingly finished. The operation and analysis unit calculates an arteriosclerosis index based on a pulse waveform signal when the adjustable pressure unit maintains the pressure at the first pressure.