Method and device for increasing hand vascular resistance during blood pressure measurement

摘要

The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.