Patent attributes
A vascular testing system includes a pressure applicator, a pressure source for generating fluid pressure at the pressure applicator; a variable orifice valve, and a valve control. The variable orifice valve is in fluid communication with the pressure applicator, and has an orifice size capable of dynamically changing. The valve control controls the variable orifice valve as a function of sensed pressure to produce substantially linear changes in pressure at the pressure applicator. Further, a method of vascular pressure measurement according to the present invention includes providing an applied pressure higher than a patient's systolic blood pressure at a vascular location, substantially linearly decreasing the applied pressure at the vascular location, and dynamically detecting vascular pressure oscillations at the vascular location as the applied pressure is decreased.
