Online continuous measurement of arterial pulse pressure and pressure waveform using ultrasound

Abstract

Noninvasive measurement of local pulse pressure (PP) and blood pressure waveforms, especially in central arteries, is crucial for diagnosing and preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This work presents an ultrasound system that uses a low-computational method to evaluate local pulse wave velocity (PWV) and diameter waveforms online, enabling continuous and noninvasive measurement of PP and blood pressure waveforms without calibration. The system was validated both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating high accuracy in PP and blood pressure waveform measurements in cardiovascular phantom experiments. In human carotid experiments, the system was compared to an arterial tonometer, showing excellent accuracy in PP and pressure waveform similarity. Comparative experiments with the volume clamp device further demonstrated the system's ability to accurately trace blood pressure changes induced by deep breathing. Thus, the developed system holds promise for noninvasively measuring arterial PP and blood pressure waveforms continuously, facilitating the diagnosis and prevention of CVDs.