Abstract: A method of vascular testing includes inflating a cuff at a vascular location, controllably deflating the cuff, producing a pressure waveform while deflating the cuff, and producing an output representing a pressure at which blood flow returns, while deflating the cuff, based upon analysis of the pressure waveform. Further, a testing system for measuring vascular pressures according to the present invention includes a pressure applicator, a pressure sensor, and a diagnostic test unit. The pressure applicator is positionable along exterior portions of a human body for dynamically applying pressure to a desired vascular location. The pressure sensor is capable of detecting oscillations in a pressure at the pressure applicator.

Abstract: A vascular sensing system includes blood flow restricting means, a sensor, and means for producing an output representing a return of blood flow after the blood vessel has been temporarily collapsed by the blood flow restricting means. The blood flow restricting means is capable of placement on a human toe having a blood vessel, and is capable of manipulating the blood vessel. The sensor is operably connected to the blood flow restricting means and is physically spaced from the toe. Further, a method of vascular sensing includes taking pressure measurements with an pressure cuff positioned on a toe, and conducting a waveform analysis of the pressure measurements to determine a return of blood flow pressure.

Abstract: A vascular testing system includes a pressure applicator, a pressure source for generating fluid pressure at the pressure applicator; a variable orifice valve, and a valve control. The variable orifice valve is in fluid communication with the pressure applicator, and has an orifice size capable of dynamically changing. The valve control controls the variable orifice valve as a function of sensed pressure to produce substantially linear changes in pressure at the pressure applicator. Further, a method of vascular pressure measurement according to the present invention includes providing an applied pressure higher than a patient's systolic blood pressure at a vascular location, substantially linearly decreasing the applied pressure at the vascular location, and dynamically detecting vascular pressure oscillations at the vascular location as the applied pressure is decreased.