UK Precision Engineering Chard Somerset & Exeter Devon

Deep blood pressure to be measured through a new ultrasound patch

The University of California San Diego have designed and produced a non-invasive ultrasound patch which can measure blood pressure in arteries and veins – a task that normal wearable devices would not be able to perform as they can only measure surface readings.

“By integrating ultrasound technology into wearables, we can start to capture a whole lot of other signals, biological events and activities going on way below the surface in a non-invasive manner,” said research leader Sheng Xu, a professor of nanoengineering at the Jacobs School of Engineering.

Created using silicone elastomer and small electronic components, the new ultrasound patch is said to be able to measure depths as great as 4cm below the surface of the skin. In addition to this, using a patch which can be attached to anywhere in the body, will provide an easier and less invasive method for the patient, unlike the current method which requires a catheter being inserted in the groin, neck or arm and guided to the heart.

You can read more here: The Engineer

Photo Credit: The Engineer