Patent ID: 6331162
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for determining the pulse wave velocity of blood in the descending thoracic aorta comprising the steps of:a. obtaining a first pulse waveform of blood in blood vessels near a first location on the surface of a patient's skin and proximate the fourth thoracic vertebra;b. obtaining a second pulse waveform of blood in blood vessels near a second location on the surface of the skin and proximate the second lumbar vertebra; andc. calculating a pulse wave velocity by:i. determining a first reference point on the first pulse waveform;ii. using a fiducial reference point to determine a corresponding second reference point on the second pulse waveform;iii. determining a time difference between the first and second reference points; andiv. dividing a distance between the first and second surface locations by the time difference.