Single artery pressure-lumen volume curve and compliance using flexible diaphragm tonometry

Abstract

An arterial tonometer is introduced that can measure arterial compliance as well as pressure. The flexible diaphragm tonometer employs volume feedback control such that the contact surface is apparently rigid. When feedback is disabled, electrical impedance plethysmography of the tonometer compartment permits simultaneous measurement of pressure and volume change in the underlying artery. Applanation pressure is varied in addition to provide compliance as function of pressure. Further analysis yields the arterial pressure-lumen volume curve characteristics.