Abstract: A sensor having a sensing surface for sensing blood pressure within an underlying artery of a patient includes a transducer, a sidewall, a flexible diaphragm and a fluid coupling medium. The sidewall is distinct from transducer and supports the transducer above the underlying artery. The fluid coupling medium is coupled between the sensing surface of transducer and the flexible diaphragm and transmits blood pressure pulses within the underlying artery from the flexible diaphragm to the sensing surface of transducer. In one embodiment, the fluid coupling medium is isolated from sidewall.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing blood pressure within an underlying artery as the underlying artery is compressed includes a transducer and a compressible sidewall. The transducer senses blood pressure of blood pressure pulses as the pulses travel beneath the sensor. As each blood pressure pulses crosses an edge of the sensor, each pulse exerts a force on the sensor in a direction parallel to the underlying artery. Tissue surrounding the underlying artery also exerts a force. The compressible sidewall is distant from the transducer and engages tissue surrounding the underlying artery. The compressible side wall neutralizes the force exerted by the tissue surrounding the underlying artery and dampens the force parallel to the underlying artery so that a substantially zero pressure gradient exists across the transducer.

Abstract: A device for supporting a sensing surface above an underlying artery of a patient includes a hold down assembly and a sensor interface pivotally coupled to the hold down assembly. The hold down assembly is secured at a spaced position relative to the underlying artery of the patient. The sensor interface includes a flexible diaphragm, a compressible side wall and a mount. The flexible diaphragm has an active portion for transmitting blood pressure pulses of the underlying artery. The compressible side wall encircles the active portion and has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end is secured to the flexible diaphragm. The mount is coupled to the top end of the compressible side wall. The mount has a connection located below the top end of the compressible side wall for receiving a movable member of the hold down assembly so that the movable member may be pivotally coupled to the sensor below the top end of the compressible side wall.

Abstract: A transducer having a sensing surface for sensing blood pressure within an underlying artery of a patient includes a transducer, a sidewall, a flexible diaphragm and a fluid coupling medium. The sidewall supports the transducer above the underlying artery. The flexible diaphragm is spaced from the sensing surface of the transducer. The fluid coupling medium is coupled between the sensing surface of the transducer and the flexible diaphragm and transmits blood pressure pulses within the underlying artery from the flexible diaphragm to the sensing surface of the transducer. The fluid coupling medium is isolated from the sidewall so that forces are not transmitted from the sidewall through the fluid coupling medium to the transducer.