DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/X9NY-0S92

Defense Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Paul Wetzel

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new method to monitor peripheral arterial pulse using a PVDF piezoelectric sensor. After comparing different locations of sensor placement, a specific sensor wrap for the finger was developed. Its composition, size, and location make it inexpensive and very convenient to use. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the sensor at producing a reliable pulse waveform, a monitoring system, including the PZT sensor, ECG, pulse-oximeter, respiratory sensor, and accelerometer was setup. Signal analysis from the system helped discover that the PZT waveform is relative to the 1st derivative of the artery pressure wave. Also, the system helped discover that the first, second, and third peaks in PZT waveform represent the pulse peak, inflection point, and dicrotic notch respectively. The relationship between PZT wave and respiration was also analyzed, and, consequently, an algorithm to derive respiratory rate directly from the PZT waveform was developed. This algorithm gave a 96% estimating accuracy. Another feature of the sensor is that by analyzing the relationship between pulse peak amplitude and blood pressure change, temporal artery blood pressure can be predicted during Valsalva maneuver. PZT pulse wave monitoring offers a new type of pulse waveform which is not yet fully understood. Future studies will lead to a more broadly applied use of PZT sensors in cardiac monitoring applications.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

August 2010

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