J Korean Soc Med Inform.  2008 Sep;14(3):295-302.

Development of a Wearable Pulse Transit Time Monitoring Device

• Jung DK
• Ha JS
• Kang KT
• Kim KN
• Kim KR
• Ye SY
• Ro JH
• Jeon GR

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We have developed a non.intrusive continuous PTT monitoring system, using a wearable device and wireless communication technology.
METHODS
Pulse transit time (PTT) is a non.invasive measurement that shows promise in the continuous monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and the assessment of arterial stiffness. It has potential applications in wearable health monitoring devices. Generally, PTT is measured from the electrocardiogram (ECG) Rwave to a characteristic point on the peripheral pulse by photoplethysmography. However, for home healthcare applications, a system needs to be wearable and wireless. ECG and PPG were sampled at 1200 Hz and transmitted to a personal computer (PC) using Bluetooth communications. Heart rate (HR) and PTT were calculated by the PC from the signals received and waveforms of ECG, PPG, PTT and HR were displayed.
RESULTS
In this study, we implemented a system that could be adapted to the wrist and measured ECG and a Photoplethysmogram (PPG).
CONCLUSIONS
The wearable continuous PTT monitoring system developed in this study could be useful in home cardiovascular healthcare.

Keyword

PTT(pulse transit time); ECG(electrocardiogram); BP; Wearable; PPG(photoplethysmogram)

MeSH Terms

Blood Pressure
Delivery of Health Care
Electrocardiography
Heart Rate
Microcomputers
Photoplethysmography
Pulse Wave Analysis
Vascular Stiffness
Wrist