Cuff-Based Pulse Wave Detection for Vascular Endothelial Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for evaluating vascular endothelial function are complex, require large-scale apparatus, and are affected by intravascular pressure, making them difficult to handle and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus and method using a cuff with a pressure controller and detector, along with a pulse wave detector, to apply continuous pressure stimulation and evaluate vascular endothelial function by comparing pulse waves before and after stimulation, obtaining amplitude ratios and vascular compliance through statistical processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FMD measurement system with ultrasonic echo system is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic echo system (complex mechanical/optical measurement system) with a pressure sensor-based pulse wave detection system. The cuff pressure detector measures pulse waves through pressure changes in the cuff, eliminating the need for ultrasonic equipment while maintaining measurement capability through a simpler mechanical pressure sensing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff serves multiple functions: it applies avascularization pressure to the artery, acts as a chamber for pressure stimulation, and functions as a measurement chamber for detecting pulse waves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ultrasonic measurement equipment, simplifying the overall device while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Reliability
If FMD measurement system with ultrasonic echo system is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic echo system requiring specialized measurement skills with a pressure sensor-based system that automatically detects pulse waves through cuff pressure changes. This substitution makes the system easier to operate as it requires no specialized ultrasonic measurement training, while maintaining reliability through accurate pressure-based detection.
3Reliability
If related-art technique with continuous pressure stimulation and pulse wave measurement is used, then vascular endothelial function evaluation is achieved, but subject burden increases due to vein blood flow blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pressure stimulation to the cuff rather than continuous pressure. The pressure is applied in cycles, allowing vein blood flow to resume between stimulation cycles. This periodic approach maintains the ability to evaluate vascular endothelial function through pulse wave amplitude changes while reducing subject burden by preventing continuous vein blockage.
4Measurement precision
If techniques requiring additional sensors and high-processing capacity analyzing units are used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff pressure detector serves dual purposes: it monitors cuff pressure for avascularization control and simultaneously detects pulse waves for vascular endothelial function evaluation. This eliminates the need for separate sensors and reduces processing requirements by using a single detection system for multiple functions, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff pressure detection system automatically provides both pressure control information and pulse wave measurement data without requiring additional sensors or complex processing units. The system uses the inherent pressure fluctuations in the cuff during avascularization to extract vascular function information, making the detection system self-sufficient for multiple measurement needs.
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 allows for accurate and simplified evaluation of vascular endothelial function, reducing the burden on subjects and minimizing the influence of blood pressure on measurements, while eliminating the need for additional sensors and high-processing capacity analyzing units.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse wave detector, configured to detect, from the output of the pressure sensor, pulse waves before and after the continuous pressure stimulation is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for evaluating a vascular endothelial function includes: a cuff, to be wound around a part of a body of a subject; a cuff pressure controller, configured to control a pressure of the cuff, and configured to apply continuous pressure stimulation; a cuff pressure detector, configured to detect the pressure of the cuff from output of a pressure sensor connected to the cuff; a pulse wave detector, configured to detect, from the output of the pressure sensor, pulse waves before and after the continuous pressure stimulation is applied; and an analyzer, configured to evaluate the vascular endothelial function by comparing the pulse waves detected before and after the continuous pressure stimulation is applied.