Dual-Cuff Method Improves Accuracy of Blood Pressure and Hemodynamics Determination

This paper describes a method that uses two cuffs to improve accuracy of blood pressure and hemodynamics estimation. A specially designed dual-cuff experimental system was used to acquire and process data from the two cuffs. The arm cuff provided cuff pressures and cuff arterial pulse waveforms. The arm cuff pulse pressure waveforms were used to compute mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic pressure (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP) values. The SBP and DBP values were computed with characteristic ratio method. Wrist cuff waveforms were used for the emulation of auscultatory measurement of SBP and for the determination of stroke volume. Stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and systemic arterial compliance were computed. The obtained dual-cuff blood pressure values were compared with values measured by the characteristic ratio arm cuff method. The computed hemodynamics variables were displayed numerically and graphically. Key-Words: Blood pressure, hypertension, hemodynamics, cuff waveforms, dual-cuffs, quadrant