Development of a Multi-Array Pressure Sensor Module for Radial Artery Pulse Wave Measurement

Abstract

This study proposes a new structure for a pressure sensor module that can reduce errors caused by measurement position and direction in noninvasive radial artery pulse wave measurement, which is used for physiological monitoring. We have proposed a structure for a multi-array pressure sensor with a hexagonal arrangement and polydimethylsiloxane that easily fits to the structure of the radial artery, and evaluated the characteristics and pulse wave measurement of the developed sensor by finite element method simulation, a push-pull gauge test, and an actual pulse wave measurement experiment. The developed sensor has a measuring area of 17.6 × 17.6 mm 2 and a modular structure with the analog front end embedded on the printed circuit board. The finite element method simulation shows that the developed sensor responds linearly to external pressure. According to the push-pull gauge test results for each channel, there were differences between the channels caused by the unit sensor characteristics and fabrication process. However, the correction formula can minimize the differences and ensure the linearity, and root-mean-squared error is 0.267 kPa in calibrated output.Although additional experiments and considerations on inter-individual differences are required, the results suggested that the proposed multiarray sensor could be used as a radial arterial pulse wave sensor.

Analysis of the Radial Pulse Wave and its Clinical Applications: A Survey

“…Huang et al used three highly sensitive pressure sensors to form a linear array to measure radial pulse waves [25]. Roh et al proposed a structure for a multi-array pressure sensor with a hexagonal arrangement to reduce errors caused by measurement position and direction [74]. These array structures can greatly promote the measurement of the radial pressure wave with higher signal quality.…”

Blood Pressure Sensors: Materials, Fabrication Methods, Performance Evaluations and Future Perspectives

“…Semi-occlusion technique includes applanation tonometry [ 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 ], originally applied for monitoring intraocular blood pressure in glaucoma patients [ 98 ] using a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer [ 99 ] and quite recently contact lens-based sensors [ 100 , 101 , 102 ], and extended to include blood pressure measurement of the radial artery based on anisotropic conductive film [ 103 ] or a silicon-based MEMS sensing chip [ 104 ]. The accuracy of applanation tonometry is controversial, as it is highly dependent on artery location and changes in contact force required to maintain artery in an applanated status over time [ 105 , 106 ].…”

A Flexible Pressure Sensor with a Mesh Structure Formed by Lost Hair for Human Epidermal Pulse Wave Monitoring

“…Owing to the fact that variations in the human pulse wave can reflect many physiological and pathological phenomena of the human body, it has historically been widely used in clinical examinations, especially in traditional Chinese medicine [ 4 ]. Real-time monitoring of human epidermal pulse waves with detailed information is an effective method of evaluating cardiovascular system health, which is of great significance for achieving the early diagnosis and prevention of CVDs and reducing the risk of CVDs events [ 5 , 6 ].…”