Abstract:
A method is provided for blood pressure measurement by means of an inflatable cuff ( 50 ) applied to a limb of a vertebrate and pneumatically coupled to a first port ( 112 A) and a second port ( 112 B) of a blood pressure measurement apparatus ( 100 ). A pump ( 160 ) coupled to the second port inflates the cuff pneumatically. During an initial cuff inflation period, a first pressure sensor ( 180 ) pneumatically coupled to the first port senses a first pressure and a second pressure sensor ( 182 ) pneumatically coupled to the second port senses a second pressure. An analysis module ( 142 ) compares the magnitude of the first pressure to the magnitude of the second pressure to determine the relative relationship between the respective magnitudes of the first pressure and the second pressure. The relative relationship between these pressure may be used to determine whether a single lumen or dual lumen cuff is use, to determine whether the blood pressure measurement procedure selected is correct for the cuff actually in use, or to automatically select the proper blood pressure measurement procedure to be used for the actual cuff in use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/619,380, filed Jul. 14, 2003, entitled “Motion Management in a Blood Pressure Measurement Device,” published Feb. 10, 2005, as Patent Application Publication No. US2005/0033188A1, and subject to assignment to the common assignee of the present application, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/032,625, filed Jan. 10, 2005, entitled “A Portable Vital Signs Measurement Instrument and Method of Use Thereof,” and subject to assignment to the common assignee of the present application, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present relates generally to blood pressure monitoring devices and, more particularly, to a method for the identification of the cuff type connected to a blood pressure monitor at the initiation of a measurement procedure to ensure that the correct cuff type and the correct measurement mode are in use for the patient. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The measurement of blood pressure is a common procedure used in hospitals, clinics and physicians&#39; offices as a tool to assist in diagnosis of illness and monitoring of sick patients, as well as an indicator of the general status of a person&#39;s health. In standard non-invasive blood pressure measurement practice, blood pressure is measured using an inflatable cuff that is wrapped about a patient&#39;s arm or leg. The cuff is then inflated to provide a certain amount of pressure on the artery in the arm or leg beneath the cuff. The cuff is inflated by air supplied by means of an inflation device, such as a pneumatic bulb or an electric pump, connected to the cuff by a tube or tubes. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures are determined as the air inflating the cuff is slowly released thereby deflating the cuff and reducing the pressure on the artery. 
   The initial pressure to which the cuff is inflated depends upon the particular patient whose blood pressure is being measured. The pressure to which the cuff is initially inflated will be higher for an adult, than for a child, than for an infant, than for a neonate. The maximum pressure to which the cuff is inflated must be controlled to ensure that the patient is not injured by the pressure. This is particularly necessary when measuring the blood pressure of a neonate. Additionally, as the size of the limbs of an adult male will be greater than the size of the limbs of a child or a neonate, different size cuffs are available. For example, cuffs are available sized for use on large adults, average adults, small adults, children, small children, infants and neonates. 
   Electronic blood pressure measurement devices are in common use that automatically performs a blood pressure measurement procedure, either upon initiation by a clinician or at selected preprogrammed intervals. In using such automatic measurement devices, the clinician must select the mode of measurement to be used, e.g. adult, pediatric, infant, or neonatal. The clinician must also remember to connect the correct blood pressure cuff to the device before initiating a measurement procedure. Therefore, the potential exists for an incorrect cuff to be inadvertently connected to an automatic blood pressure measurement device that is an improper cuff type may be connected with respect to the patient whose blood pressure is to be measured. 
   Automatic sphygmomanometers are known that are programmed to identify the particular cuff connected to the sphygmomanometer. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,254, Skelton discloses an automatic blood pressure monitor for unattended operation wherein the pressure-time characteristic is monitored during initial pressurization of the cuff to determine the cuff size in use. The cuff size in use is determined by matching the initial pressure-time characteristic measured against a set of predetermined pressure-time characteristics for known cuff sizes that are stored in a microprocessor associated with the automatic blood pressure monitor. Having determined the cuff size in use, the microprocessor controls the inflation process to pressurize the cuff to a preselected pressure for that cuff size and deflates the cuff in accord with a preselected deflation sequence for the particular size cuff in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,280, Hood, Jr., discloses an automated blood pressure monitor adapted to use a variety of cuff sizes, including neonatal, wherein the time of propagation of an acoustical pressure pulse through the cuff and back to a pressure transducer in the monitor is used to verify the type of cuff in use in connection with the monitor. Prior to execution of a blood pressure measurement routine, the cuff is inflated to a given pressure, whereupon a pressure control valve is opened thereby creating a pressure/acoustical pulse which propagates at the speed of sound through the cuff and back to the pressure transducer in the monitor. The total time of propagation is measured and compared to a predetermined threshold intermediate the typical propagation times of neonatal and adult cuffs, respectfully. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,654, Malkamaki et al., discloses an automatic identification method for the cuff of a sphygmomanometer wherein a pressure pulse is trigger from a valve upstream of the cuff to a pressure sensing element downstream of the cuff. The pulse width is measured and compared with a predetermined pulse width threshold value to distinguish between a smaller cuff and a larger cuff. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,981, Kankkunen et al., discloses a method for identification of the cuff being used in connection with a non-invasive automatic sphygmomanometer wherein a flow restriction means, such as an orifice, is disposed in the tube from the pump to the cuff. To identify the cuff in use, the cuff is rapidly inflated to a pressure of 20–30 mmHg. The inflation is abruptly stopped and the change in the pressure differential across the flow restriction means is monitored as the pressure downstream and upstream of the flow restriction means equalizes. A control element identifies the size of the cuff on the basis of data received from the sensor. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,966, Hanna, also discloses a method for automatically identifying a given cuff out of a plurality of cuffs wherein a different flow restrictor is associated with each cuff type. Prior to a blood pressure measurement procedure, the cuff is at least partially and then deflated through the flow restrictor. A pressure measurement is taken downstream of the flow restrictor during the deflation process and this pressure measurement is used to identify the particular type of cuff in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,676, Rantala et al., also discloses a method for automatically identifying a given cuff of at least a pair of cuffs wherein a flow restrictor is associated with at least one of the cuffs. Prior to a blood pressure measurement procedure, the cuff is inflated and the pressure magnitude variations sensed both upstream and downstream of the cuff. The sensed upstream and downstream pressure magnitude variations are compared and from this comparison which cuff is connected to the sphygmomanometer is determined. 
   Although the aforementioned methods of automatically identifying what cuff is connected to an automatic sphygmomanometer are effective, some of these methods require a distinct cuff identification procedure prior to initiation of a blood pressure measurement routine. Some of these methods require that a sensed pressure characteristic associated with the cuff in use be compared to a set of predetermined pressure related characteristics for a respective set of cuffs be preprogrammed into the sphygmomanometer memory for identification of the cuff in use. As such, the method may only be used to identify cuffs for which the required pressure characteristic has been preprogrammed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for ensuring that automated blood pressure measurement of a neonate may only proceed if a suitable cuff is used and the proper blood pressure measurement procedure is employed. 
   It is an object of a further aspect of the present invention to provide of method for identifying the mode selected in real time during the initial stage of pressurizing the cuff during a blood pressure measurement procedure with no additional process time required. 
   In one aspect, the invention provides a method for blood pressure measurement by means of an inflatable cuff applied to a limb of a vertebrate and pneumatically coupled to a first port and a second port of a blood pressure measurement apparatus having a pump for inflating the cuff pneumatically coupled to the second port. The method comprises the steps of initiating inflation of the inflatable cuff, sensing a first pressure through a first pressure sensor pneumatically coupled to the first port, sensing a second pressure through a second pressure sensor pneumatically coupled to the second port, and comparing the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor to the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure. If the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor and the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor are approximately equal, then the cuff configuration is identified as single lumen cuff. If the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor exceeds the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor, then the cuff configuration is identified as dual lumen cuff. 
   The method of the invention may be used in connection with a blood pressure measurement apparatus wherein the user may select a blood pressure measurement procedure to be implemented from a set of options including a first blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a dual lumen cuff configuration and a second blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a single lumen cuff configuration. After the user selects the desired mode, inflation of the cuff is initiated and the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor is compared to the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor. If the comparison matches the pressure relationship characteristic of the selected blood pressure measurement procedure, cuff inflation is continued. However, if the comparison does not match the pressure relationship characteristic of the selected blood pressure measurement procedure, cuff inflation may be promptly discontinued and the blood pressure measurement procedure aborted or a switch could be made automatically in real time to a blood pressure measurement procedure having a pressure relationship characteristic matching the sensed pressure relationship with no additional process time. 
   The method of the invention may be used in connection with a blood pressure measurement apparatus capable of implementing both a first blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a dual lumen cuff configuration and a second blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a single lumen cuff configuration, without the user selecting the desired mode. Inflation of the cuff is initiated and the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor is compared to the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor. If the comparison matches the pressure relationship characteristic of a dual lumen cuff configuration, the controller selects the first blood pressure measurement procedure and the blood pressure measurement process continues. If the comparison matches the pressure relationship characteristic of a single lumen cuff configuration, the controller selects the second blood pressure measurement procedure and the blood pressure measurement process continues. The selection is made automatically in real time without additional process time required. 
   The method of the invention may be used in connection with a blood pressure measurement apparatus wherein the user selects a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure to be implemented from a set of options including a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a dual lumen cuff configuration and a neonate blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a single lumen cuff configuration. With the non-neonate mode selected, inflation of the cuff is initiated and the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor is compared to the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor. If the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure significantly exceeds the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure, thereby indicating a dual lumen cuff configuration in use, inflation of the cuff continues and blood pressure is measured via the selected non-neonate procedure. However, if the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor does not significantly exceed the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor, thereby indicating that a single lumen cuff configuration is in use, initiation of the cuff is terminated and the blood pressure measurement aborted. Alternatively, rather than aborting the process, if desired, a switch could be made automatically in real time to the neonate blood pressure measurement procedure with no additional process time. 
   The method of the invention may be used in connection with a blood pressure measurement apparatus wherein the user selects a neonate blood pressure measurement procedure to be implemented from a set of options including a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a dual lumen cuff configuration and a neonate blood pressure measurement procedure which requires a single lumen cuff configuration. With the neonate mode selected, inflation of the cuff is initiated and the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor is compared to the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor. If the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor does not significantly exceed the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor, thereby indicating that a single lumen cuff configuration is in use, inflation of the cuff continues and blood pressure is measured via the selected non-neonate procedure. However, if the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor does significantly exceed the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor, thereby indicating that a dual lumen cuff configuration is in use, initiation of the cuff is terminated and the blood pressure measurement aborted. Alternatively, rather than aborting the process, if desired, a switch could be made automatically in real time to the non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure with no additional process time. 
   Accordingly, through use of the method of the present invention, the neonatal population can be protected against the mistaken application of a non-neonatal blood pressure measurement procedure as the method of the invention can distinguish between a neonatal procedure associated with a single lumen cuff configuration and non-neonatal procedure associated with a dual lumen cuff configuration. The method of the invention can also distinguish one neonatal blood pressure measurement procedure associated with a single lumen cuff configuration from another neonatal blood pressure measurement procedure associated with a dual lumen cuff configuration. The method of the invention can also distinguish one non-neonatal blood pressure measurement procedure associated with a single lumen cuff configuration from another non-neonatal blood pressure measurement procedure associated with a dual lumen cuff configuration. 
   In another aspect, the invention provides a blood pressure measurement apparatus for use in connection with an inflatable cuff applied to a limb of a vertebrate and pneumatically coupled to the apparatus by at least one lumen. The apparatus includes a pump selectively operable to inflate the inflatable cuff during an inflation period and having an outlet pneumatically coupled to at least one lumen, a first pressure sensor operatively associated with the at least one lumen for sensing the pressure in the cuff during an inflation period, a second pressure sensor operatively associated with the pump for sensing the pressure in the at least one lumen near the outlet of the pump, and an analysis module operatively associated with the first pressure sensor for receiving a first sensed pressure signal therefrom and the second pressure sensor for receiving a second sensed pressure signal therefrom. The analysis module configured to compare the first sensed pressure to the second sensed pressure signal during the inflation period and to generate a first comparison signal if the first and second sensed pressure signals are not approximately equal to each other and to generate a second comparison signal if the first and second sensed pressure signals are approximately equal to each other. The apparatus may further include a control module operatively associated with the pump and the analysis module, the control module configured to control the operation of the pump in response to receipt of one of either the first comparison signal or the second comparison signal from the analysis module. The apparatus may also include a user interface operatively associated with the control module, the user interface providing for a user of the apparatus to select one of either a first blood pressure measurement procedure or a second blood pressure measurement procedure to be conducted by the control module. 
   In one aspect, control module may be configured to terminate inflation of the cuff by the pump in accord with the first blood pressure measurement procedure in the event that the control module receives the second comparison signal from the analysis module. 
   In one aspect, the control module may be configured to continue inflation of the cuff by the pump in accord with the first blood pressure measurement procedure so long as the control module receives the first comparison signal from the analysis module. 
   In a further aspect, the control module may be configured to terminate inflation of the cuff by the pump in accord with the second blood pressure measurement procedure in the event that the control module receives the first comparison signal from the analysis module. 
   In a further aspect, the control module may be configured to continue inflation of the cuff by the pump in accord with the second blood pressure measurement procedure so long as the control module receives the second comparison signal from the analysis module. 
   Advantageously, the first blood pressure measurement procedure may be for measurement of the blood pressure on non-neonate vertebrates only, and the second blood pressure measurement procedure may be for measurement of the blood pressure on neonate vertebrates only. 
   In one aspect, the invention provides a for use in connection with an inflatable cuff applied to a limb of a non-neonate vertebrate and pneumatically coupled to the apparatus through a single lumen. The apparatus comprises a first pressure sensor pneumatically coupled with the lumen through a first port of the apparatus and operative to sense the pressure at the first port during a period of inflation of the cuff, a second pressure sensor pneumatically coupled with the lumen through a second port of the apparatus and operative to sense the pressure at the second port during a period of inflation of the cuff, and a shunt providing a conduit pneumatically coupling the first port and the second port of the apparatus to the single lumen. The shunt may have a first port being connected to the first port of the apparatus, a second port being connected to the second port of the apparatus, and a third port being connected to the distal end of the lumen. Advantageously, the may be formed integrally with a distal end of the lumen. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a vital signs measurement apparatus for non-invasive blood pressure measurement; 
       FIG. 1B  is an elevation view of the left side of the vital signs measurement apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 1C  is an elevation view of the back of the vital signs measurement apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic overview illustrating a first embodiment of a system useful in making blood pressure measurements on a non-neonate patient according to the teachings of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic overview illustrating a second embodiment of a system useful in making blood pressure measurements on a neonate patient according to the teachings of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a sectioned plan view of another embodiment of the shunt shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a graphical illustration depicting exemplary pressure measurements from the first and second pressure sensors during inflation of a non-neonate cuff; 
       FIG. 6  is a graphical illustration depicting exemplary pressure measurements from the first and second pressure sensors during inflation of a neonate cuff; 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the method of the invention; and 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the method of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention will be described herein with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a portable vital signs measurement apparatus  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1C . It is to be understood, however, that the exemplary embodiment the portable vital signs measurement apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1C  is illustrative and not limiting of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be applied to other embodiments of blood pressure monitoring devices. 
   Referring now to the drawings, and  FIGS. 1A through 1C  in particular, there is depicted therein a portable vital signs measurement apparatus including a connector  112  for connection to a blood pressure cuff for measuring at least one of the diastolic and systolic blood pressures of a patient wearing the blood pressure cuff connected to connector  112 . In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1B , the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  a display  102 , a plurality of keys  101 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105  and  107 , and a handle  110 . The handle  110  provides portability, thereby enabling a clinician to move the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  from room to room in a patient care facility, to sit the apparatus  100  on a table or stand close to a patient, or to place the apparatus  100  on a mobile stand that may be wheeled about. 
   The display  102  includes a region for displaying information relating to a blood pressure measurement including the systolic blood pressure (SYS) and the diastolic blood pressure (DIA) measurements in either milligrams of Mercury (“mmHg”) or pascals (“kPa”). Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures are displayed as a numeric three digit number. For purposes of illustration, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures are shown in  FIG. 1  as 120 mmHg and 80 mmHg, respectively. 
   Key  101  is an on/off switch for selectively powering the apparatus  100  on and off. Key  103  is a four way directional switch for navigating through options displayed on the display  102 . Key  105  is a select button for selecting options and responding to prompts on the display  102 . Key  107  is a memory recall button for selectively recalling stored patient data sets for display on the display  102 . Key  104  is a start/stop switch for selectively starting and then stopping a blood pressure measurement cycle. 
   To facilitate transfer of data to and communications with external devices, the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  may include a USB port  120 , an RS232 port  122  and a 9 wire serial connector port  124 , as depicted in  FIG. 1C . However, in other embodiments, different types of connectors can be used as one or both of connectors  122  and  124 , such as an Ethernet, USB or TTL port. Additionally, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  may also include a well  106  for holding a thermometer, and a connector  114  for a pulse oximetry connection. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  includes a microprocessor  130  which interacts with a user interface that includes the display  102  and input keys  101 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105  and  107 . The display  102  maybe a LCD display as illustrated in the embodiment shown in the drawings, however, the display  102  may alternatively comprise a touch screen display. If the display  102  is a LCD display, communication is one-way as indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . If the display  102  is a touch screen display, communication will be bi-directional. The microprocessor  130  also interfaces with the communications ports  120 ,  122  and  124  to provide capability for communicating bi-directionally with an external device, such as a personal computer or network computer. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller  130  is a Motorola DragonBall™ MXL microcontroller available from Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. Other microcontrollers, such as those manufactured by Intel or other semiconductor manufactures, can be substituted for the DragonBall™ MXL microcontroller. 
   A more detailed description of the portable vital signs measurement apparatus  100  is presented in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/032,625, filed Jan. 10, 2005, entitled “A Portable Vital Signs Measurement Instrument and Method of Use Thereof”. 
   The vital signs measurement apparatus  100  further includes a pump  160 , a valve  170 , a NIBP module  140 , and a first pressure sensor  180  which operate in association with a blood pressure cuff  50  applied to a limb of a patient to provide for the non-invasive measurement of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures, of the patient. The NIBP module  140  controls operation of the pump  160  and the valve  170 . The pump  160 , which may be a positive displacement pump or other type of inflation pump, is pneumatically coupled to the blood pressure cuff through a conduit, termed a lumen, and is operable to inflate blood pressure cuff  50  in response to a command signal from the NIBP module  140 . The valve  170  is also pneumatically coupled to the blood pressure cuff  50  by a lumen and provides for selective venting of air from the cuff  50  to deflate the cuff under the control of the NIBP module  140 . Pump  160  and valve  170  are pneumatically coupled to the cuff  50  through the same lumen via port  112 B of the connector  112  of the apparatus  100 . Within the apparatus  100 , pump  160  and valve  170  communicate pneumatically with port  112 B. Additionally, the first pressure sensor  180  communicates pneumatically with port  112 A of connector  112  and a second pressure sensor communicates pneumatically with port  112 B of the connector  112 . The first and second pressure sensors may be conventional pressure transducers or other types of pressure sensing devices. A sensor electronics module  184  is associated with the first and second pressure sensors  180  and  182  for receiving the sensed pressure readings from the pressure sensors, converting those readings to electrical signals indicative of the sensed pressure, and transmitting that digital signal indicative of the sensed pressure to the NIBP module  140 . 
   Once the cuff has been inflated to a pre-selected pressure for the particular cuff in use, the NIBP module  140  will shut the pump  160  off and open the valve  170  to deflate the cuff at a desired rate to enable the patient&#39;s diastolic and systolic blood pressures and pulse rate to be measured automatically in a conventional manner as the cuff deflates. The inflation and deflation rate and timing of the cuff  50  are controlled by the NIBP module  140 . A more detailed discussion and description of the operation of NIBP module  140  for blood pressure measurement is presented in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/619,380, filed Jul. 14, 2003, entitled “Motion Measurement in a Blood Pressure Measurement Device.” It is to be understood, however, that various techniques and procedures accepted in general practice may be employed to automatically measure the patient&#39;s systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse rate as the cuff deflates. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2  in particular, a non-neonate cuff  50  is depicted wrapped around a limb of a patient and connected to the connector  112  of the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  for measurement of the blood pressure of the patient. The non-neonate cuff  50  is a two lumen cuff of the type commonly used in connection with electronic monitors when measuring blood pressure in adults, children, and infants of age 29 days and older. Cuffs of this type are available from Welch Allyn, Inc., headquartered in Skaneateles, N.Y., in “monitor” style in sizes for thigh, large adult, adult, small adult, child, small child, and infant. The two lumens  60  and  70  are connected at their respective proximal ends  60 A and  70 A to the cuff  50  and at their respective distal ends  60 B and  70 B to the ports  112 A and  112 B, respectively, of the connector  112 . Each lumen  60  and  70  may be a rubber tube or conduit, or a tube or conduit of other suitable material. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3  in particular, a neonate cuff  50  is depicted wrapped around a limb of a neonate patient and connected to the connector  112  of the vital signs measurement apparatus  100  for measurement of the blood pressure of the patient. The neonate cuff  50  is a single lumen cuff of the type commonly used in connection with electronic monitors when measuring blood pressure in infants of age 28 days and younger. Cuffs of this type are available from Welch Allyn, Inc., headquartered in Skaneateles, N.Y., in “monitor” style sized for neonates. The single lumen  80  is connected at its proximal end  80 A directly to the cuff  50  and at its distal end  80 B to the port  112 A of the connector  112 . Additionally, a shunt  90  provides a conduit  92  to additionally connect the single lumen  80  to port  112  B of the connector  112 . Lumen  80  may be a rubber tube or conduit, or a tube or conduit of other suitable material. In an embodiment, the shunt  90  may be a rubber tube or conduit, or a tube or conduit of other suitable material, like the lumen  80  and be formed integrally with the single lumen  80  near the distal end  80 B thereof. In another embodiment, the shunt  90  may, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , comprise a separate component having a body defining a conduit  92  having a first port  91  for connection to port  112 A of the connector  112 , a second port  93  for connection to port  112 B of the connector  112 , and third port  95  to which the distal end  80 B of the lumen  80  is connected. Each of the ports  91 ,  93  and  95  opens directly to the conduit  92 . Thus, the conduit  92  of the shunt  90  pneumatically communicates the lumen  80  with each of ports  112 A and  112 B of the connector  112 . In either embodiment, the conduit  92  of the shunt  90  is of a relatively short length with respect to the overall length of the lumen  80 , that length typically being about 5 feet. 
   When measuring blood pressure using an automated procedure, it is important that inflation/deflation rates, timing and pressure levels be appropriate for the particular patient whose blood pressure is being measured. In conventional practice, when measuring the blood pressure of a neonate, the maximum pressure to which the cuff is inflated before deflation will be substantially lower than the pressure to which the cuff is inflated when measuring the blood pressure of a non-neonate. Additionally, a step deflation procedure is customarily employed when deflating the measuring the blood pressure of a neonate, while a rapid deflation procedure may be preferred when measuring the blood pressure of a non-neonate. 
   The pressures measured via the first and second pressure sensors  180  and  182  are monitored during the inflation of the cuff by the NIBP module  140 . The pressure readings from the first and second pressure sensors are communicated to the sensor electronics module  184  and converted to electrical signals indicative of the sensed pressures. These pressure signals are communicated to the analysis module  142  of the NIBP module  140 . The analysis module  142  is configured to compare the first sensed pressure, represented by the pressure signal derived from the pressure reading from the first pressure sensor  180 , to the second sensed pressure signal, represented by the pressure signal derived from the pressure reading from the second pressure sensor, during the inflation period. The analysis module  142  generates a first comparison signal if the first and second sensed pressure signals are not approximately equal to each other, and generates second comparison signal, different from the first pressure signal, if the first and second sensed pressure signals are approximately equal to each other. 
   If a cuff having two lumens is connected to the apparatus  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the pressure sensed at the first pressure sensor  180  will significantly lag the pressure sensed at the second pressure sensor  182  as exemplified by the graphical illustration of pressure over time during an exemplary initial inflation period of about two seconds as shown  FIG. 5 , wherein trace A reflects the pressure at the first pressure sensor  180  and trace B reflects the pressure at the second pressure sensor  182 . Typically, the overall time for fully inflate blood pressure cuff  50  via the pump  160  would be about fifteen seconds. The pressure sensed at the first pressure sensor  180  lags the pressure sensed at the second pressure sensor  182 , ergo the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensor  182  significantly exceeds the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor  180  during this initial inflation period, due primarily to the pressure drop experienced as the inflating fluid from the pump  160  passes through the lumen  70 . Due to this pressure drop, during the initial inflation of the cuff, the pressure sensed at the first sensor  180  will at a given time be less than the pressure sensed at the second pressure sensor  182 . 
   However, if a cuff having only a single lumen  80  is connected to the apparatus  110  via a shunt  90  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the pressure sensed at the first pressure sensor  180  will not lag the pressure sensed at the second pressure sensor  182 , but rather at any point during the inflation of the cuff, will be approximately equal to the pressure sensed at the second pressure sensor  182  as exemplified by the graphical illustration of pressure over time during an exemplary initial inflation period of about two seconds as shown  FIG. 6 , wherein trace A reflects the pressure at the first pressure sensor  180  and trace B reflects the pressure at the second pressure sensor  182 . Again, the overall time for fully inflate blood pressure cuff  50  via the pump  160  would typically be about fifteen seconds. 
   In accordance with the invention, this fundamental difference in the relative magnitudes of the respective pressures sensed by the first and second pressure sensors  180 ,  182  during the inflation of a two lumen cuff versus a single lumen cuff is used by the NIPB module to determine which type of cuff is actually attached to the apparatus  100  whenever a blood pressure measurement procedure is commenced. The NIBP module  140  includes a control module  144  configured to control the operation of the pump  160  in response to receipt of one of either the first comparison signal or the second comparison signal from the analysis module  142 . Through the user interface  108  operatively associated with the microprocessor  130 , the clinician selects one of either a first blood pressure measurement procedure or a second blood pressure measurement procedure to be conducted by the control module  144 . In accord with the invention, the control module  144  will operate to terminate a blood pressure measurement procedure if the pressure comparison signal received from the analysis module  142  does not correspond to the pressure relationship that should be associated with the blood pressure measurement procedure being conducted. For example, an embodiment of the apparatus  100 , the clinician may select from a first blood pressure measurement procedure for measurement of the blood pressure of on non-neonate patients only and the second blood pressure measurement procedure for measurement of blood pressure of on neonate patients only. If the non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure has been selected by the clinician, the NIBP module  140  will initiate inflation of the cuff  50  with the intent of conducting a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure. However, if during the cuff inflation period, the control module  144  receives a comparison signal from the analysis module  142  indicating that the respective pressures sensed by the first and second pressure sensors  180  and  182  are approximately equal, the control module will know that a signal lumen neonate cuff has been connected to the apparatus  100  and will automatically terminate the non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure. This automatic termination of the blood pressure measurement procedure due to the sensed incompatibility of the cuff actually in use with the blood pressure measurement procedure selected by the clinician ensures the safety of a neonate patient by preventing blood pressure measurement using a non-neonate measurement procedure from continuing beyond partial inflation of the cuff  50 . 
   An exemplary embodiment of a method of measuring blood pressure providing neonate safety is illustrated by the process flow chart presented in  FIG. 7 . The chart begins at box  702  labeled “Initiate BP cycle”. However, it is to be understood that before initiating the blood pressure process, the clinician connects a blood pressure cuff  50  to the ports  112  A and  112 B of the connector  112  of the apparatus  100 , turns the apparatus  100  on by depressing the On/Off key  101  of the face of the apparatus  100 , and selects the blood pressure mode, i.e. either a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure or a neonate blood pressure measurement procedure. To measure the blood pressure of a non-neonate patient, the clinician should connect a two lumen embodiment of cuff  50  to the connector  112  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  and also select the non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure. To measure the blood pressure of a neonate patient, the clinician should connect a single lumen with shunt embodiment of cuff  50  to the connector  112  as illustrated in  FIG. 3  and also select the neonate blood pressure measurement procedure. The clinician may connect the blood pressure cuff  50  to the connector  112  either before or after selecting the blood pressure mode to be conducted by the NIBP module  140  of the apparatus  100 . 
   With the cuff  50  connected, the apparatus  100  powered on, and the blood pressure mode selected, as indicated at box  702 , the clinician then initiates the selected blood pressure measurement procedure, either neonatal or adult (non-neonatal) mode, by depressing the key  104  on the face of the apparatus  100 . As the inflation process begins, the pressure sensors activate and the analysis module  142  of the NIPB module  140  begins, as indicated at box  704 , its comparison analysis of the pressure signals received from the sensor electronics module  184  representing the respective pressures sensed by the first and the second pressure sensors  180  and  182  and transmits to the control module  144  either a first pressure comparison signal indicating that the respective pressure sensors are not approximately equal, or a second pressure comparison signal indicating that the respective pressure sensors are approximately equal. 
   As indicated at box  706 , the control module  144  next determines if the pressure relationship indicated by the comparison signal received from the analysis module  142  is compatible with the pressure relationship characteristic of the selected blood pressure mode. If a first comparison signal is received by the control module  144 , as indicated by box  708 , the control module will terminate inflation of the cuff  50  and abort the blood pressure measurement procedure if the neonate blood pressure mode has been selected, as indicated at box  712 , or will continue the inflation of the cuff  50  and proceed with blood pressure measurement if the non-neonate blood pressure mode has been selected, as indicated at box  714 . However, if a second comparison signal is received by the control module  144 , as indicated by box  710 , indicating that the respective pressures sensed by the first and second pressure sensors are approximately equal, the control module will continue inflation of the cuff  50  and proceed with blood pressure measurement if the neonate blood pressure mode has been selected, as indicated at box  716 , or will terminate the inflation of the cuff  50  and proceed abort the blood pressure measurement procedure if the non-neonate blood pressure mode has been selected, as indicated at box  718 . 
   An exemplary embodiment of a method of measuring blood pressure providing automatic adjustment of the blood pressure measurement to the cuff installed is illustrated by the process flow chart presented in  FIG. 8 . The chart begins at box  802  labeled “Initiate BP cycle”. However, it is again to be understood that before initiating the blood pressure process, the clinician connects a blood pressure cuff  50  to the ports  112  A and  112 B of the connector  112  of the apparatus  100 , turns the apparatus  100  on by depressing the On/Off key  101  of the face of the apparatus  100 , and selects the blood pressure mode, i.e. either a “Fast Bp mode” blood pressure measurement procedure or a “Step Deflation” blood pressure measurement procedure. To measure the blood pressure of a the patient, the clinician connects either a two lumen embodiment of cuff  50  to the connector  112 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , or a single lumen with shunt embodiment of cuff  50  to the connector  112 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The clinician may connect the blood pressure cuff  50  to the connector  112  either before or after selecting the blood pressure mode to be conducted by the NIBP module  140  of the apparatus  100 . 
   With the cuff  50  connected, the apparatus  100  powered on, and the blood pressure mode selected, as indicated at box  802 , the clinician then initiates the blood pressure measurement procedure by depressing the key  104  on the face of the apparatus  100 . As the inflation process begins, the pressure sensors activate and the analysis module  142  of the NIPB module  140  begins, as indicated at box  804 , its comparison analysis of the pressure signals received from the sensor electronics module  184  representing the respective pressures sensed by the first and the second pressure sensors  180  and  182  and transmits to the control module  144  either a first pressure comparison signal indicating that the respective pressure sensors are not approximately equal, or a second pressure comparison signal indicating that the respective pressure sensors are approximately equal. 
   The control module  144  next determines if the pressure relationship indicated by the comparison signal received from the analysis module  142  is compatible with the pressure relationship characteristic of the selected blood pressure mode. If a first comparison signal is received by the control module  144 , as indicated by box  808 , the control module will know that a two lumen cuff is attached to the apparatus  100  and will proceed to measure the patient&#39;s blood pressure via the “Fast BP”, even if the “Step Deflation” mode had been selected. However, if a second comparison signal is received by the control module  144 , as indicated by box  810 , indicating that the respective pressures sensed by the first and second pressure sensors are approximately equal, the control module will know that a single lumen cuff is attached to the apparatus  100  and proceed with measuring the patient&#39;s blood pressure by the “Step Deflation” mode. 
   In addition to the comparison of pressure signals from pressure sensors  180 ,  182 , the analysis module  142  may also accept and store information such as pump power, whether modulated or stepped, pressure channel noise level, or inflation rise time. The information from these additional inputs combined with the comparison of the pressure signals from pressure sensors  180 ,  182  may be used to set thresholds that may be used in combination with the aforedescribed pressure monitoring methods for determining the mode of operation in use and for ensuring that the proper blood pressure mode is in use. For example, if the analysis module  142  has determined that the pressure relationships are not sufficient alone for mode determination, the analysis module may refer to the pump power information to gain further insight. A low voltage value for pump power would indicate that a neonate blood pressure measurement procedure is in use, while a high voltage value for pump power would indicate that a non-neonate blood pressure measurement procedure is in use. This additional information in combination with the pressure relationship information would be sufficient for the analysis module to determine whether that mode of operation should be continued.