Design of a microprocessor-based sphygmomanometer.

This paper describes the implementation on a microprocessor of a new method for the indirect measurement and recording of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in humans. The technique is based on a statistical analysis of the cardiac pulse pressure signal. Polynomial relations are derived between the amplitude of the pulsatile pressure waveforms at the systolic and diastolic points and the amplitude of pulse signals detected when the artery is fully occluded. With the dual objective of automating the measurement procedure and minimizing errors, an electronic analog-digital sphygmomanometer that contains suitable electronic instrumentation was developed. The functions of processing the pressure signal, automating the measurement, and recording the results are performed and controlled by a microprocessor. A laboratory prototype embodying this approach was constructed and its performance and reliability were verified using a series of clinical tests. The test results indicate that the device is accurate within acceptable bounds for automated blood pressure instruments.

Development of a microprocessor-based adaptive technique for blood pressure measurements.

The paper introduces a new microprocessor-based adaptive technique for the indirect measurement of the systolic and diastolic pressure in humans. The technique is based upon a statistically consistent relationship between the amplitude of the pulsative pressure waveform at the systolic and diastolic points and the amplitude of pulse signals detected when the artery is fully occluded. An adaptive measurement philosophy has been implemented in the design of an electronic analog-digital sphygmomanometer which, in addition to a pressure transducer, contains suitable electronic instrumentation for processing and displaying the electronic signals. A dedicated microprocessor is used to store statistical relations and control the operation of the device. Verification of overall system accuracy is accomplished via direct comparison with manual auscultatory measurements. Clinical testing of a prototype indicates satisfactory performance; measurement errors are maintained well within proposed standards for automated sphygmomanometers.