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.