Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Brachial artery waveforms for automatic blood pressure measurement.
A M Al-Jumaily1, H Lan, N Stergiopulos
1Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. ahmed.al-jumaily@aut.ac.nz
A novel piezoelectric sensor method offers more accurate blood pressure monitoring than the standard oscillometric technique. This new approach tracks maximum artery closure for improved precision in automated devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Physiology
Background:
- Auscultatory method relies on Korotkoff sounds, reflecting maximum artery closure.
- Oscillometric method assesses overall artery closure, leading to potential inaccuracies.
- Existing automated devices often use the less accurate oscillometric method.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel, more accurate method for blood pressure measurement.
- Develop an automated device-compatible blood pressure monitoring technique.
- Improve accuracy beyond the standard oscillometric method.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a piezoelectric film sensor placed on the skin above the brachial artery.
- Positioned the sensor under the cuff's central section for maximal pressure transfer.
- Analyzed waveform features from the piezoelectric sensor data.
Main Results:
- Achieved measurement errors of 0.7±2.5 mmHg for systolic pressure.
- Recorded measurement errors of 1.27±4.53 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
- Demonstrated minimal deviations compared to auscultatory clinical data.
Conclusions:
- The novel piezoelectric sensor method surpasses the accuracy of the oscillometric method.
- This technique is suitable for integration into automated blood pressure monitoring devices.
- The findings suggest a more precise approach to non-invasive blood pressure assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
