Review of emerging methods and techniques for arterial pressure and flow waves acquisition and analyses

Background: A brief review of the principles and tools for arterial pressure measurements is presented. The methods are based on compression of an artery like brachial, radial, digital or some other arteries, that go back to the pulse diagnostics of oriental medicine, decompression Riva-Rocci method and the first sphygmograph invented by E. Marey. Existing tools for the pulse palpation and arterial pressure auscultation are discussed from the point of view of their accuracy and reliability. Applanation tonometry and light absorption methods and their implantation into the lightweight wearable devices are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods are formulated. It is shown the direct intra-arterial pressure measurements via a catheter remains the only reliable for anaesthetized, postoperative and patients of the cardiac intensive care unit, and persons with cardiovascular diseases, obesity, faint pulse, arrhythmia and some others. Despite increased interest in non -invasive pressure monitoring, many commercially available tools have failed to satisfy the AAMI standards. The systems for continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring based on photosensors are reviewed. Accuracy and reliability of portable units for pulse oxymetry are discussed. The recently developed mobile apps technologies and microchips are promising future technologies for continuous health monitoring based on the multisensory design, though nowadays their accuracy is not satisfactory.