A computational model of the cardiovascular hemodynamics coupled with cuff mechanics, concerning the waveform of cuff oscillation

The oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement has been widely used in electrical medical devices. However, the accuracy of BP estimation algorithm based on oscillometry is limited, due to an insufficient understanding of the relationship between the characteristics of cuff oscillometry and cardiovascular properties. To provide a tool for quantitatively studying such relationship, we developed a computational model of the cardiovascular system coupled with an occlusive cuff wrapped around the brachial artery. The simulated results reasonably reproduced the characteristics of cuff oscillometry, including not only the amplitude but also the waveform. The variation of cuff oscillation waveform obtained from the simulation was validated by the experimental data. The model may contribute to develop a new BP estimation algorithm with higher accuracy, in consideration the waveform features of cuff oscillometry.