Guitar string technology improves pressure control
Scientists from the California Institute of Technology and startup Esperto Medical have developed an innovative technology for continuous blood pressure monitoring. It is based on the principles of guitar string tuning.
Unlike the traditional method of arterial catheterization, which requires surgery and can cause complications, the new system offers a less invasive approach. The new system, called “resonance sonomanometry,” uses ultrasound pulses to activate arteries under the patient's skin. By analyzing the echoes of these pulses, researchers can track changes in artery size, allowing for accurate blood pressure measurements.
One of the key benefits of this technology is that there is no need for recalibration after initial use. The system has already been tested on various arteries, including the carotid and femoral arteries, and the readings matched those of traditional methods.
The scientists believe that in the future, the portable ultrasound transducer could be replaced by a more compact device that patients could wear at all times, making it much easier to monitor their health.