Tonometry, Arterial

Abstract

Arterial tonometry is a technique that permits the noninvasive monitoring of the pressure within a superficial artery, such as the radial artery at the wrist. The technique is based on an analysis showing that—under the proper conditions—the artery wall does not influence the transmission of arterial pressure to a sensor applied to the skin. Tonometer sensors have been devised that employ various transduction techniques. Perhaps the most advanced sensors include a multiplicity of independent pressure sensors, and are fabricated from silicon. Tonometric measurements have been used to monitor blood pressure during surgery and similar procedures. They have also been used to determine arterial elasticity and pulse wave velocity. Under favorable conditions, the accuracy of tonometric measurements can be described by standard deviations of ∼ 5 mmHg (0.66 kPa).

Toward Ubiquitous Blood Pressure Monitoring via Pulse Transit Time: Theory and Practice

“…Tonometry is another non-invasive method used in research that, in theory, does not require an inflatable cuff [15, 16]. This method measures instantaneous BP by pressing a manometer-tipped probe on an artery.…”

Wearable Sensors Incorporating Compensatory Reserve Measurement for Advancing Physiological Monitoring in Critically Injured Trauma Patients

“…Figure 5 c shows tonometry measurement, which involves the application of a force to flatten (or applanate) an artery with a given applanation force (F appl ), and a pressure sensor applied to the skin above the artery then records the time varying fluctuations in pressure applied by the blood on the arterial wall [ 85 , 86 ]. With perfect applanation, this pressure waveform (BP(t)) is exactly equal to arterial pressure; however, in practice, applanation is usually imperfect and thus the waveform simply resembles BP.…”

Ballistocardiogram-Based Approach to Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitoring: Proof of Concept and Potential Challenges

“…Unobtrusive and ubiquitous blood pressure (BP) monitoring technology could improve hypertension management and control, but such a technology has not been mature enough to be deployed at present. In fact, most existing non-invasive BP monitoring techniques widely used in healthcare and research (e.g., auscultation [1], oscillometry [2], [3], volume clamping [4], [5], and applanation tonometry [6], [7]) suffer from limited convenience due to the requirement for an inflatable cuff.…”