Abstract: The invention is in one embodiment an apparatus and a method for measuring the blood pressure of a vertebrate subject. The apparatus uses an inflatable chamber with a sensor to detect signals indicative of a blood pressure of the subject during an inflation interval of the inflatable chamber. If secondary motion or artifact signals are detected, the apparatus and method determine whether the secondary signals are below a predetermined value, and if so, complete the measurement. If the signals indicate that the measurement is not accurate, the system and method immediately institute a measurement of the blood pressure during a deflation interval, which can include a step deflation interval. In the event that the subject is identified as a neonate, the system and method immediately measure using the deflation interval procedure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a multi-function, self-service health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a wheelchair accessible health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a blood pressure measurement apparatus for use in a health kiosk.

Abstract: Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and then measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during a hyperemia phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: A method for estimating systolic and diastolic pressure is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a predetermined type of blood pressure data from a patient, and providing previously acquired blood pressure data obtained from a plurality of different subjects. The method also includes implementing the previously acquired blood pressure data to select systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios that most closely correlate with the predetermined type of blood pressure data obtained from the patient. The selected systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios are adapted to compensate for the effects of arterial compliance. The method also includes implementing the selected systolic and diastolic amplitude ratios to generate a systolic and diastolic blood pressure estimates.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an estimation of a person's aortic systolic blood pressure, which method comprises non-invasively measuring the person's brachial systolic blood pressure, non-invasively measuring the person's brachial diastolic blood pressure, obtaining the person's radial augmentation index by measuring the person's radial pulse waveform, and obtaining the estimation of the person's aortic systolic blood pressure from the following equation: aSBP=?+?·rA1x+?·bSBP+?·bDBP where the coefficients ?, ?, ? and ? are constants with approximate values of ?=?24.2, ?=0.28, ?=0.83, ?=0.17.

Abstract: The blood pressure monitor 100 includes plural case members 111 to 116 that are rotatably connected with one another to form a housing unit housing a cuff. The plural case members 111 to 116 are connected with plural torque hinges 140 or plural rotation hinges 150, and rotate to be transformed between a closed state in which the case members 111 to 116 are collapsed with the cuff housed herein, and an open state in which the case members 111 to 116 are opened.

Abstract: The invention is in one embodiment an apparatus and a method for measuring the blood pressure of a vertebrate subject. The apparatus uses an inflatable chamber with a sensor to detect signals indicative of a blood pressure of the subject during an inflation interval of the inflatable chamber. If secondary motion or artifact signals are detected, the apparatus and method determine whether the secondary signals are below a predetermined value, and if so, complete the measurement. If the signals indicate that the measurement is not accurate, the system and method immediately institute a measurement of the blood pressure during a deflation interval, which can include a step deflation interval. In the event that the subject is identified as a neonate, the system and method immediately measure using the deflation interval procedure.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring blood pressure. Cuff pressure and oscillometric signals are generated. The signals are conditioned by a plurality of linear filters to remove artifacts and local trends. Rank-order filters are applied to the conditioned oscillometric signal to detect upper and lower envelops. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are calculated using a plurality of multidimensional threshold vectors.

Abstract: In blood pressure measurement of a vertebrate through use of an inflatable pressure cuff disposed about a limb of the vertebrate limb and inflated by pump driven by a motor, the air pressure within the cuff is determined at any given time during the inflation of the cuff by calculating the incremental change in pressure in the pressure cuff over a series of small time increments and summing the calculated incremental pressure changes from the initiation of cuff inflation to a desired point in time during the inflation of the pressure cuff. The incremental change in pressure within the cuff is calculated as a function of the incremental change in current drawn by the pump motor over the time increment.

Abstract: An arm insertion type sphygmomanometer having enhanced operability and visibility at the time of measurement. A remote control unit can be detached from the sphygmomanometer body portion and operated wirelessly. The arm insertion type sphygmomanometer comprises a sphygmomanometer body portion (10) provided with an arm band (2) through which an upper arm is inserted, and a remote control unit (40) capable of controlling the sphygmomanometer body portion (10) remotely. The remote control unit (40) can be fixed removably to a holding portion (5) of the sphygmomanometer body portion (10) and has an operating portion for operating the sphygmomanometer body portion (10), and a display portion for displaying the result of measurement. In a state where the remote control unit (40) is placed in the holding portion (5), the remote control unit (40) operates the sphygmomanometer body (10) by performing wired or wireless communication therewith.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a gage and sleeve attached to the gage that includes an interior pressure chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the gage, the diaphragm being responsive to pressure changes in said sleeve, wherein the diaphragm is fabricated from a nickel-beryllium alloy.

Abstract: A portable biosignal measurement apparatus and the method is provided. The apparatus includes: a micro pump; a pressure supplier including a cuff which applies a pressure in a direction of a radial artery of a user's wrist by a fluid, which is flowed depending on pressure provided by the micro pump; and a sensor unit to measure a biosignal using displacement of the radial artery.

Abstract: In blood pressure monitoring apparatus which continuously estimates and monitors blood pressure by using the pulse wave propagation time, blood pressure fluctuation can be accurately estimated. If both blood pressure estimated from the pulse wave propagation time and a waveform parameter obtained from the accelerated pulse wave have abnormal values, it is determined that the blood pressure is truly fluctuating, and blood pressure measurement by another method, e.g., blood pressure measurement using a cuff is performed.

Abstract: A pulse wave is detected in a predetermined location of a living body, and the progressive wave component and reflected wave component are extracted from the pulse wave. The pulse wave propagation time is calculated from the progressive wave component and reflected wave component, and blood pressure is calculated on the basis of this pulse wave propagation time. The use of this method provides blood pressure measuring apparatus capable of continuously measuring blood pressure with a simple method.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph signal to determine the initial inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff of the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff such that as the blood pressure cuff is inflated, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be reduced. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be initially attenuated and eventually eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient. The central processor of the NIBP monitor compares the pulse signals during cuff inflation to an average pulse signal and terminates the inflation of the blood pressure cuff upon sufficient attenuation.

Abstract: A method for the continuous non-invasive measurement of blood pressure includes at least one first pressure cuff and one second pressure cuff of comparable or identical size, each cuff including an inflatable pressure measuring chamber applicable to a first and a second body part or region containing an artery. The first pressure cuff has a first plethysmographic sensor connected to a regulating and control device used to regulate the pressure in a first pressure measuring chamber by means of a measuring signal of the plethysmographic sensor. The first pressure measuring chamber is connected to a pressure sensor in order to obtain a pressure measuring signal. The second pressure measuring chamber is a reference pressure chamber that can be regulated at the same time as the first pressure measuring chamber, independently therefrom, and can be regulated by the regulating and control device according to a pre-determinable pressure function.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes a cuff block having a cuff for restricting flow of blood and a base block, to which the cuff block is pivotably connected, having an elbow support for supporting an elbow of a user who inserts his/her arm into the cuff block. The sphygmomanometer further includes a compensating unit to compensate a change of distance from one end of the cuff block to the elbow support, which is caused by a pivotal movement of the cuff block with respect to the base block.

Abstract: The blood pressure measuring device comprises a main device 1, and a separate device 2 capable of being used separately from the main device 1. The main device and the separate device have a wireless communication means 11 and 12, respectively. At least one device of the main device and the separate device has a power switch, and one device having the power switch is activated when the power switch is operated, and then the one device transmits a start signal to the other device by the wireless communication. The other device shifts periodically from a power-off state to a power-on state on its own when in the power-off state to check the start signal, and it is activated if it receives the start signal when it shifts to the power-on state. The one device transmits the start signal continuously over a period longer than a period during which the power switch is operated to activate the one device.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes a base block and a cuff block having a cuff for restricting flow of blood, the cuff block being connected to the base block in such a manner that an angle of the cuff block with respect to a horizontal plane is variable within an angular range. The sphygmomanometer further includes a spring biasing unit for returning the cuff block to a position at a predetermined angle within the variable angular range of the cuff block when the cuff block is not used.

Abstract: A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.

Abstract: A cuff (1) for measuring arterial pressure including a tubular sleeve (2) with an integrated inflatable chamber (11), which is adapted to be wrapped around the arm of a patient; the cuff includes fastening means (10) adapted to fasten the cuff (1) around the arm of the patient and to detect the circumference of the arm, in order to use the circumference datum as a correction factor for measuring the arterial pressure detected by means of the cuff (1).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring blood pressure of a wearer has an inflatable arm cuff that is selectably inflatable to differing air pressures that incorporates a fabric having both a light transmission property and a light reflection property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range from about 400 to about 2200 nanometers. A radiation source and a detector are attached to the fabric in relative positions such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric as the fabric stretches in response to motion in the wearer's body due to changes in the flow of blood through an artery disposed beneath the fabric occurring in consonance with variations in the air pressure within the inflatable cuff.

Abstract: A method and system for use in measuring the endothelial dysfunction in a patient utilizing flow mediated dilation. The system includes both a non-invasive blood pressure monitor and an ultrasound system that communicate with each other to perform the flow mediated dilation. Initially, the ultrasound transducer and blood pressure cuff are positioned on an arm of the patient and the blood pressure cuff is inflated to occlude an artery for an occlusion period. Following the occlusion period, the ultrasound system is automatically signaled to begin determining both the diameter of the artery and the flow rate of blood through the artery without any operator intervention. Based upon the detected characteristics of the artery before and after occlusion, the system can determine the endothelial dysfunction of the patient.

Abstract: A cuff structure for sphygmomanometers includes a cuff body wrapped around an airbag, and first, second and third adhesive latching surfaces arranged sequentially on the cuff body. The first adhesive latching surface is made of a single material; the second adhesive latching surface is composed of first and second adhesive latching portions made of different materials; one of the adhesive latching portions is made of the same material of the first adhesive latching surface; and an adhesive latching portion of the third adhesive latching surface is adhered with an adhesive latching portion of the second adhesive latching surface, such that the cuff body can be wrapped around a user's arm. When the second and third adhesive latching surfaces are folded towards the first adhesive latching surface, the adhesive latching portions made of different adjacent materials are adhered closely to prevent the airbag from getting loosened when the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: To improve measurement accuracy of blood pressure. A wrist sphygmomanometer comprises a cuff spring formed in a curved shape to fit the semicircle on the side of the pulsation part of the wrist, having a mount portion formed outside; a cuff band including the cuff spring as a core material, having an air bag inside, and wound around a wrist; and a sphygmomanometer main body mounted on the mount portion of the cuff spring, having a pressure pump for supplying air to the air bag, wherein the cuff spring has a protrusion protruding inward formed in a nearly central position in a peripheral direction.

Abstract: When a predetermined condition for measurement is selected from a plurality of conditions for measurement by operating one of measurement switches before measuring the blood pressure, a pressure begins to be applied to a bladder in response to the selection and the measurement of the blood pressure starts. The measured data of the blood pressure and the selected condition for measurement are linked to each other and stored in a memory. Because the measurement of the blood pressure starts upon selection of the predetermined condition by operating one of the measurement switches, one operation can serve both as switching to instruct the starting of the measurement and selecting the predetermined condition for measurement. Thus, an additional operation for inputting a condition for measurement is not necessary, and this makes it possible to prevent forgetting to input or incorrectly inputting a condition for measurement from occurring.

Abstract: A pulse wave measuring apparatus is disclosed which is capable of measuring the pulse wave accurately in stable fashion and which can be reduced in size and integrated for an improved convenience. The pulse wave measuring apparatus comprises a sensor unit having a plurality of semiconductor pressure sensors, a fixing stand for fixing a living organism in position, a pressure cuff for pressing the semiconductor pressure sensors against the living organism, and a press operation control unit for controlling the press operation of the pressure cuff. The press operation control unit is arranged in the fixing stand.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement unit measures the blood pressure and a CPU accordingly stores, in a blood pressure storage unit, measurement data as well as time information regarding the time at which the blood pressure is measured. The CPU calculates, as representative measurement data, the average of a plurality of measurement data stored in the blood pressure storage unit and correlated with the time information indicating a time in the range between nine weeks ago and ten weeks ago, correlates the representative measurement data with time information representing the corresponding week and stores the data with the time information in the blood pressure storage unit. At this time, the CPU deletes from the blood pressure storage unit those measurement data based on which the representative measurement data is calculated.

Abstract: A subject evaluation value measuring apparatus 10, functioning as a cuff volumetric pulse wave obtaining apparatus, includes a pulse wave determining device (i.e., a cuff volumetric pulse wave determining device) 52 that determines, using an inverse transfer function 1H(f), stored in a ROM (i.e., an inverse transfer function memory) 42, that corresponds to a pre-determined transfer function H(f) between input, i.e., pressure pulsation produced in a cuff 20, and output, i.e., pressure pulsation detected by a pressure sensor 24, a no-delay cuff volumetric pulse wave PK(t) having substantially no delay of transmission, based on an actual cuff pulse wave signal SM outputted by the pressure sensor 24. The thus determined cuff volumetric pulse wave PK(t) is free of waveform distortion and accordingly enjoys high accuracy.

Abstract: A plurality of cushions are provided in the airbag of a cuff apparatus, spaced apart from one another and thus maintaining the airbag in an inflated state before compressed air is introduced into the airbag. This shortens the time required to supply the compressed air and minimizes the resistance to the body part being inserted into the cuff apparatus. Therefore, the body part can smoothly enter the cuff apparatus and the flow of blood can be sufficiently suppressed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for analyzing pulse data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a signal containing data representing a plurality of pulses, the signal generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. Further, one embodiment includes performing a pulse identification or qualification algorithm on at least a portion of the data, the pulse identification or qualification algorithm comprising at least one constant, and modifying the at least one constant based on results obtained from performing the pulse identification or qualification algorithm, wherein the results indicate that a designated number of rejected pulses has been reached.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmographic signal to reduce the time required to obtain an estimation of a patient's blood pressure. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the NIBP monitor utilizes the SpO2 plethysmographic signal to determine a timing period and a deflation period for each pulse associated with the patient's heartbeat. Upon receiving an oscillation pulse, the NIBP monitor determines the oscillation amplitude during the timing period and deflates the blood pressure cuff during the deflation period immediately following the timing period. Preferably, the deflation period occurs during the same oscillation pulse used to calculate the oscillation pulse amplitude to decrease the amount of time required to obtain a blood pressure estimate from the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and estimating the blood pressure of a pregnant patient that modifies the blood pressure estimating algorithm when the patient is pre-eclamptic. The level of carbon monoxide within a patient's bloodstream or exhaled breath can be analyzed to determine whether a pregnant patient is pre-eclamptic. After the patient has been diagnosed as pre-eclamptic, the NIBP monitoring system adjusts its algorithm for estimating the patient's blood pressure to compensate for the physical changes that occur in the patient during pre-eclampsia. The adjusted blood pressure estimates calculated by the NIBP monitoring system can be calculated using different adjustment techniques and methods and are displayed on the NIBP monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring vital sign parameters in a biological entity is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one light source for transmitting light through the biological entity and at least one photodetector for receiving light transmitted through the biological entity. At least one light source and at least one photodetector are configured to be positioned proximate the biological entity in a manner that does not significantly impede blood flow through the biological entity. A signal is generated in response to the transmittance or reflectance of light through the biological entity. The signal corresponds to at least one characteristic of the generally unimpeded blood flow through the biological entity. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to analyze the signal to determine vital sign parameters in the biological entity. A method for monitoring vital sign parameters in a biological entity is also provided.

Abstract: A wrist-worn apparatus capable of sensing pulsation of blood in the blood tubes of a user's wrist with high accuracy. The apparatus comprises a body of the apparatus, a band to be used to wear the body of the apparatus on the user's wrist, and a fluid-containing pulsation-sensing fluid chamber provided on the user's wrist side of the case. A part of an outer wall that defines the fluid chamber comprises an elastically deformable member that is elastically deformed depending on pulsation of blood transmitted from the band to thereby change the fluid pressure within the fluid chamber. A deformation preventing member is bonded by vulcanization to a part of a side of the deformable member that will come into contact with the user's wrist for preventing the part of the deformable member from being elastically deformed.

Abstract: The purpose of the blood pressure cuff mate is to aid in preventing the spread of infection or cross contamination by multiple person to person contact by using the same blood pressure cuff. The blood pressure cuff mate is primarily used in medical settings, i.e., hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and health fairs.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller. Various alternative embodiments are illustrated and discussed herein. In one such embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at special ports during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the cuff is always internal of the mouse structure and is readily accessible through an aperture in the housing surface of the mouse to permit the measurement to take place. Preferably, in each of these alternative embodiments a hinged or slidable door or panel protects the cuff or cuff ports between measurements.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph signal to determine the initial inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff of the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff such that as the blood pressure cuff is inflated, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be reduced. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be initially attenuated and eventually eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient. The central processor of the NIBP monitor compares the pulse signals during cuff inflation to an average pulse signal and terminates the inflation of the blood pressure cuff upon sufficient attenuation.

Abstract: A limb compression system for increasing the flow of venous blood in a patient comprises an inflatable cuff, a pump, a controller, and a pressure transducer. The system collects a signal from the pressure transducer indicative of the pressure in the cuff and uses the signal to determine the blood pressure of the patient. A method for providing patient cardiovascular support and monitoring of patient blood pressure is also herein disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-invasive blood pressure measurement apparatus and a safety protection method. In addition to a main pressure measurement circuit and a main microprocessor circuit, the measurement apparatus also includes an independently disposed assist pressure measurement circuit and an independently disposed assist microprocessor circuit. In normal measurement, the assist microprocessor circuit periodically samples a cuff pressure via the assist pressure measurement circuit, and compares the measured cuff pressure with a specified overpressure protection value, and if the cuff pressure exceeds the specified overpressure protection value, the assist microprocessor circuit outputs a control signal to open a deflation valve until the pressure falls to below the safety pressure.

Abstract: A sensor is pressurized adjustably against a patient's wrist and detects a pressurized pulse wave of a radial artery in a noninvasive manner so as to measure blood pressure on an arm band wound around the patient's predetermined portion. A CPU calculates indices reflecting a reflecting phenomenon of a pulse wave as organism information different from the blood pressure based on the detected pulse waveform, and relates the measured blood pressure value with calculated indices so as to display them on an indicator. A doctor checks displayed contents so as to clearly understand a state of a circulatory system represented by a correlation between the patient's blood pressure and the indices so as to be capable of obtaining information which supports a diagnosis and prescription quickly.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises apparatus adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an alignment apparatus which is separable from an adjustable fixture. The apparatus moveably captures the sensor to, inter alia, facilitate coupling thereof to an actuator used to position the sensor during measurements. In a second aspect, improved sensor apparatus is disclosed adapted to minimize the effects of shear during sensor movement and monitoring as well as maximize the lateral and proximal search area available to the sensor within the apparatus. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor includes a main unit casing placed on a table, a living body insert portion casing of an approximately cylindrical shape, positioned on the main unit casing in a non-use state and having a cuff arranged on its inner peripheral surface, the cuff having a hollow portion to which an upper arm of a subject is inserted, and a connection mechanism for connecting the living body insert portion casing with the main unit casing in a movable manner such that, upon application of the cuff to the subject, the living body insert portion casing can move to come closer to the subject than the main unit casing. Thus, a blood pressure monitor provided with an automatic cuff winding mechanism enabling measurement of blood pressure with high accuracy, not giving unnecessary pain to the subject, and allowing measurement with an unconstrained posture can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for automatically calibrating an electronic sphygmomanometer, which pumps air at a predetermined air pressure to a testing electronic sphygmomanometer to simultaneously pressurize a set of pressure sensors set for regular use and at least one other set of pressure sensors being interconnected in the electronic sphygmomanometer to detect whether or not the set of pressure sensors used at regular time is normal. The detected change of pressure during the detection is sent to a control module, and the control module will compare the detected value of each pressure sensor. If the comparison is matched, then it means that the set of pressure sensors used at regular time is normal; if the comparison is mismatched, then the pressure sensors are determined as abnormal and the air valve connected to such pressure sensors is shut, such that when a user uses the electronic sphygmomanometer for the next time, another set of pressure sensors will be started.

Abstract: Traditional cuffs for measuring blood pressure use an air chamber enclosed in a non-stretchable fabric to occlude an artery in a limb when supplied with pressurised air. A stethoscope used on the limb is used to monitor blood flow. Application of the cuff is inconvenient and correct placement of the stethoscope chestpiece requires skill. According to the invention blood pressure measurement is facilitated by having the air chamber enclosed in a pre-formed shell-like structure being flexible around the limb and stiff along the limb and by using a linear array of microphones to detect the blood flow noises, the best signal from one of the microphones being automatically selected. Furthermore, the invention provides a facility for correcting the reading in dependence of the amount of wrap of the limb.

Abstract: Inflatable blood pressure cuff assemblies include an inflatable elongate cuff member having opposing long edges and opposing short edge portions with a fluid chamber therein and a resilient support sleeve with at least one rib support member, the sleeve attached to a respective one of the opposing short edge portions of the inflatable elongate cuff member. The sleeve may be configured with a sensor chamber and a cable routing channel. Related systems and methods of fabricating cuff assemblies and resilient support sleeves are also described.

Abstract: A pulse diagnostic instrument of the present invention comprises a plurality of probes connected together and aligned laterally in series, with each probe configured for contacting a skin surface of a body limb adjacent an arterial vessel. Each probe includes a pressure sensor configured for sensing a pulse pressure of the arterial vessel and an electrically-driven pressure applicator, mounted to the pressure sensor, and configured for applying an external force through the pressure sensor to apply pressure against the arterial vessel through the skin surface during sensing of the pulse pressure.

Abstract: A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, an optical sensing system, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed against an anatomical location of a subject, within which is an artery. The optical sensing system includes an optical source, an optical refractor, and an optical detector, all of which are held by the sensor fixation device and move with movement of the sensor fixation device. The optical sensing system is positioned with respect to the sensor fixation device to sense movement corresponding to an arterial pulse when the sensor fixation device is placed against the anatomical location of the subject. The optical sensing system can sense an arterial pulse from the movement, bending, or compression of at least one portion of the optical sensing system relative to other portions of the optical sensing system resulting in a change in an optical signal received by the optical detector.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmographic signal to reduce the time required to obtain an estimation of a patient's blood pressure. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the NIBP monitor utilizes the SpO2 plethysmographic signal to determine a timing period and a deflation period for each pulse associated with the patient's heartbeat. Upon receiving an oscillation pulse, the NIBP monitor determines the oscillation amplitude during the timing period and deflates the blood pressure cuff during the deflation period immediately following the timing period. Preferably, the deflation period occurs during the same oscillation pulse used to calculate the oscillation pulse amplitude to decrease the amount of time required to obtain a blood pressure estimate from the patient.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism, when such parameters are potentially affected by other concurrent events. In one exemplary embodiment, apparatus and methods for compensating for occlusive events (e.g., pressure cuff inflation) occurring ipsilateral to the location of parameter measurement are disclosed. Upon passive detection of signal degradation resulting from the event, the apparatus selectively enters a “wait state” wherein further processing of the hemodynamic data is suspended until the degrading event subsides. This behavior mitigates any adverse effects the event might have on the accuracy of the representation of the measured hemodynamic parameter generated by the system. In another exemplary embodiment, the measured data is analyzed in order to classify the type of event (e.g.