摘要 |
A system for measuring a blood pressure value from a patient features a sensor configured to be worn on the patient's thumb. The sensor includes one or two light sources that emit optical radiation, and a photodetector that detects the optical radiation after it passes through a portion of a vessel (e.g. an artery or capillary) in the patient's thumb to generate a first time-dependent signal (e.g. a PPG waveform). In embodiments the sensor is made from a flexible material that wraps around a portion of the patient's thumb (e.g. the base) while leaving the thumb's tip uncovered. This configuration is less awkward than most finger-worn sensors, and allows the patient to comfortably go about their day-to-day activities (e.g. reading, eating) with little obstruction. The system also includes at least two electrodes that are configured to be worn on the patient's body and detect electrical signals that are processed by an electrical circuit to generate a second time-dependent signal (e.g. an ECG waveform).
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