Detection of Arterial Stenosis Based on Synchronized Signals from Wearable Pulse and Blood Flow Velocity Sensors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of ischemic stroke, involves arterial wall thickening and narrowing, impeding blood flow.
• Current detection methods (CT, MRI) are hospital-based, operator-dependent, and inconvenient for daily use.
• Understanding hemodynamics in stenotic vessels requires evaluating multiple parameters beyond single physical quantities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel combined sensor system for noninvasive detection of arterial stenosis.
• To investigate the relationship between hemodynamic changes and varying degrees of vascular stenosis.
• To provide a basis for advanced, accessible diagnostic tools for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Developed combined sensors of pulse wave and blood flow velocity (CSPB) using photoelectric plethysmography and ultrasonic Doppler.
• Utilized silicone-based vascular stenosis models for in vitro blood flow system simulations.
• Employed finite element analysis with fluid-structure interactions to model hemodynamic responses.

Main Results:

• A 30% stenosis rate showed an >11% increase in pulse wave amplitude difference and an 11% rise in blood flow resistance.
• Blood flow velocity amplitude decreased by 8% with a 30% stenosis.
• CSPB system demonstrated sensitivity to varying stenosis parameters in both in vitro and simulated models.

Conclusions:

• The CSPB system offers a promising approach for noninvasive, multi-parameter assessment of arterial stenosis.
• This multisensor fusion technique can provide valuable insights into hemodynamic alterations caused by vascular narrowing.
• The study offers a foundation for developing more accessible and efficient diagnostic tools for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular conditions.