This application describes a new, non-invasive, non-cuff technique for measuring arterial or venous blood pressure. Currently, blood pressure is measured using invasive catheter-based direct methods, or non-invasive indirect Riva-Rocci/Kirotkoff (cuff-based) variants which only measure arterial blood pressure. The proposed technique can sample pressure many time a second and simultaneously monitor pulse rate and arterial blood pressure. This approach has the potential to be substantially more accurate and less obtrusive than cuff-based methods and safer than direct methods. It also provides that only non-invasive method for measuring venous blood pressure. In Phase I, a prototype instrument will be built to test the feasibility of this approach. In Phase II, the instrument will be refined and fully tested.
With its increased accuracy and capabilities, the proposed device could be prepared over standard cuff- based techniques for non-invasively monitoring arterial blood pressure. It would also provide a currently missing capability for non-invasively measuring venous blood pressure. It could become standard equipment at hospitals and doctors' offices.
