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Improved Heart Sound Detection and Signal-to-Noise Estimation Using a Low-Mass Sensor
Goal:
The purpose of this paper is to improve the detection of high-frequency sounds from the heart for better identification of turbulent blood flow in partially occluded coronary arteries. This paper also describes a method for the quantitative assessment of data quality.
Methods:
A very light-weight dual accelerometer has been developed that places a small mechanical load on the chest. When used in conjunction with a novel correlation-based analysis, this dual-signal transducer provides an estimate to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the acoustic signal.
Results:
The new transducer has significantly better SNR properties than the traditional cardiac microphones. This improvement is due to increased sensitivity to high-frequency signals not a reduction in noise and is likely the result of reduced mechanical loading on the chest.
Conclusion:
Substantial improvement in the detection of high-frequency heart sounds is possible as is quantitative assessment of data quality.
Significance:
The new transducer and analysis will lead to substantial improvements in the acoustic detection of partially occluded arteries associated with coronary artery disease. It is finally possible to obtain a measurement of the quality of heart sound signals as they are being recorded.
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Heart Sounds
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V)...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:

