Device for Simultaneous Pulse Pressure Waveform Acquisition and Analysis at the Carotid Arteries

Cardiovascular disease has become a more prominent threat as life expectancy continues to increase. To address this incremental need, noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostic methodologies are being explored to monitor cardiovascular health. Of particular interest is the pulse pressure waveform, the waveform generated by the superposition of propagating pressure waves in the cardiovascular system. Current methodologies analyze waveforms at a single point in space, utilizing waveform features to assess cardiovascular health. In this analysis the carotid artery has proven to be of greater clinical significance given its proximity to the heart. To this end, in the Gharib Lab we have developed a device for simultaneous acquisition of pressure waveforms at both carotid arteries. Simultaneous waveform acquisition adds a new dimension to current pulse wave analysis, allowing for feature comparison of the same pulse at different locations. This system could be a promising methodology to monitor and diagnose diseases that generate wave propagation asymmetries throughout the cardiovascular system.