Imagine being able to quickly, cheaply and reliably screen every patient for a measure of arterial stiffness associated with hypertension, diabetes and risk of heart attack. This is precisely what the Pulsesens system from Intelesens provides.
Direct peripheral artery detection of Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is a useful index in assessing atherosclerosis which is now regarded as an early warning for cardiac dysfunction and diabetes.
The Intelesens patented method uses high speed transducers and so can provide an accurate measurement even over the short distance of the lower arm without the need for ECG measurement for synchronisation and hard to place sensors on the neck and leg. The system boast a number of key advantages:
- The lightweight wireless unit attaches to a disposable sensor which transmits to a standard PC
- Information is provided in an easy-to-use graphical display with numerical results indices
- Low operator skill and a quick 2 minute patient set-up
- No need to hook up for ECG measurements
- Sensors are easy to place and non-critical (reliable readings without skilled staff)
- Direct reading for greater accuracy and full electronic storage of results
- Ideal for use as a screener ie. a standard test for every GP practice
- The system is fully patented in the USA
Currently there are two main applications for the Pulsesens system:
- Medical Research takes full advantage of the PC visual displays of the waveforms for improved anaylsis and storage of results. With full graphical presentation over 10 pluses with 3 forms of analysis and a single overall PWV figure, a number of clinical trials can easily be preformed including: Hypertensive drugs; Early stage diabetes screening; Lifestyle feedback (food and exercise).
- The Physician Version is the next generation of application for Pulsesens. Stand alone with no laptop requirement, it will be integrated within a normal blood pressure cuff. It will be possible to take a PWV reading during a normal BP procedure wihtout any additional work, time or skills being required.
Research into possible uses of PWV in various applications is continuing and a number if papers are in the process of being published. The initial paper can be referenced at www.iop.org
Click here for a Summary of Pulse Wave Velocity Research