Performance analysis of pulse transducers for measuring pulse wave velocity

Continuous blood pressure (BP) measurement based on pulse wave velocity (PWV) requires acquiring two pulse waves from different locations of human body. Choosing suitable and effective pulse transducers is critical for measuring PWV accurately and stably. In this paper, ultrasonic transducer, strain transducer, bio-electric resistance transducer and infrared light transducer are chosen as the objects of study. For each type of transducers, the safety, fidelity, capacity of resisting disturbance, complexity of manufacture and convenience of use are investigated. For supporting our evaluation, contrast test of PWV measurement is done using the most commonly used bio-electric resistance transducer and infrared light transducer. We have finally come to conclusion that infrared light transducer is the best choice for pulse wave acquisition.