Local Pulse Wave Velocity estimation using Magnetic Plethysmograph

Pulse Wave Velocity(PWV) is an established measure of arterial stiffness. We present a method of measuring local pulse wave velocity by the use of Magnetic Plethysmograph(MPG) sensors. The design of a Compact Single element MPG (CS-MPG) sensor is presented. The functionality of the sensor is verified by phantom experiments. The utility of this sensor for in-vivo measurements of PWV is also demonstrated. Further, a Dual-element MPG (D-MPG) for evaluation of local PWV is also presented. The error in measurement of PWV using this sensor is characterised experimentally and shown to be within acceptable limits. The ability of this dual element sensor to measure local PWV in-vivo is also demonstrated by trials on volunteers. © 2013 IEEE.