Feasibility studies of Bragg probe for noninvasive carotid pulse waveform assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Optical Sensing Technology

Background:

• Arterial stiffness is a key predictor of cardiovascular diseases.
• Central pulse waveform analysis offers insights into arterial health.
• Existing methods for pulse waveform monitoring have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the feasibility of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) probe for noninvasive carotid pulse monitoring.
• To evaluate the performance of the FBG sensor in detecting carotid pulse waveforms.
• To determine if the FBG sensor is a viable alternative to electromechanical tonometers.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a fiber Bragg grating probe.
• Noninvasive assessment tests on volunteers' carotid arteries.
• Evaluation of waveform detection and sensor repeatability.

Main Results:

• The developed FBG sensor successfully detected carotid pulse waveforms in all tested subjects.
• Repeatability tests were conducted on one subject.
• Initial findings indicate the sensor's potential for clinical application.

Conclusions:

• The fiber Bragg grating sensor is a promising tool for noninvasive carotid pulse waveform monitoring.
• Further clinical investigations are warranted.
• The developed sensor may offer a valid alternative to current electromechanical tonometers for arterial stiffness evaluation.