A Microcprocessor-Based Noninvasive Arterial Pulse Wave Analyzer

A microprocessor-based noninvasive arterial pulse wave analyzer is described which detects the peripheral, arterial pulse of an individual and extracts from the pulse waveform clinically important features. Continuous-wave Doppler microwaves (24.125 GHz) are employed to measure the arterial wall movements associated with the pressure pulse wave. Through the use of feature extraction techniques, key landmarks are located on the pulse contour. Then the pulse rate, the foot-to-systolic peak time period, and the foot-to-dicrotic notch time period are calculated. Preliminary results are presented which indicate that the arterial pulse wave analyzer can accurately determine the movement of the arterial wall and is able to analyze the pulse wave contour for clinically important features.