Evaluation of primary hemodynamic parameters using in-house developed flexible microstructured pressure sensor

Abstract

Noninvasive measurement of arterial pulse provides information about the heart condition through the evaluation of primary hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), and pulse regularity. Moreover, BP is one of the most important biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, mainly hypertension. To prevent this, accurate measurement of BP becomes necessary. Currently, flexible pressure sensors have drawn a lot of interest due to their prospective applications in wearable devices for healthcare monitoring. We have collected the human oscillometric pulse by a polymer-based flexible capacitive pressure sensor and calculated the BP as well as PR using the maximum amplitude algorithm. The results are compared with a pre-calibrated oscillometric BP monitor available in the market. Based on the error criteria, the device followed the universal standard. In addition, the flexibility and high accuracy of the device result in the assessment of the possible medical applications, including abnormal pulse rates such as tachycardia or bradycardia and irregular heart rhythm such as cardiac arrhythmia.