Abstract
In this work, we discuss an algorithm that reliable and accurately identifies the prominent points of the cardiac cycle: the systolic peak (SP), reflection point (RP), dicrotic notch, (DN) and dicrotic peak (DP). The prominent point's identifier algorithm (PPIA) action is based on the analysis a number of features of the arterial pressure waveform and its first derivative, and is part of the fundamental software analysis pack for a new piezoelectric probe designed to reproduce the arterial pressure waveform from the pulsatile activity taken non-invasively at the vicinity of a superficial artery. The output PPIA is the coordinates (in time and amplitude) of the above referred points. To assess the accuracy of the algorithm, a reference database of 173 pulses from eight volunteers, was established and the values yielded by the PPIA were compared to annotations from a human expert engineer (HEE). The quality of the results is statistically quantified either in time as in amplitude. Average values of 4.20% for error, 99.09% for sensitivity and 96.77% for positive predictive value were found to be associated to time information while amplitude yields averages of 2.68%, 99.08% and 98.22%, respectively, for the same parameters.

Abstract
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a clinically interesting parameter associated to cardiac risk due to arterial stiffness, generally evaluated by the time that the pressure wave spends to travel between two arbitrary points. Optic sensors are an attractive instrumental solution in this kind of time assessment applications due to their truly non-contact operation capability, which ensures an interference free measurement. On the other hand, they can pose different challenges to the designer, mostly related to the features of the signals they produce and to the associated signal processing burden required to extract error free, reliable information. In this work we evaluate two prototype optical probes dedicated to pulse transit time (PTT) evaluation as well as three algorithms for its assessment. Although the tests were carried out at the test bench, where "well behaved" signals can be obtained, the transition to a probe for use in humans is also considered. Results demonstrated the possibility of measuring pulse transit times as short as 1 ms with less than 1% error.

Abstract
The present work proposes a new device for local pulse wave velocity (PWV), by using an innovative configuration of a double piezoelectric (PZ) sensor probe. PWV is assessed in one single location and involves the determination of time delay, between the signals acquired simultaneously by two PZs, 23 mm apart. The double probe (DP) is characterized in a dedicated test bench system, where two main studies were carried out. In the first one, the impulse response (IR) for each PZ sensor is determined and evaluated through the deconvolution method. In the second one, DP time resolution is estimated from a set of time delay algorithms and compared with the reference values, obtained through the signals of two pressure sensors. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the inferred IRs in deconvolution purposes and the possibility of measure higher PWV values (approximate to 19m/s), through the DP, with an error less than 10%.

Abstract
The problem of using a piezoelectric (PZ) probe to non-invasively measuring the pressure wave propagation through a fluid contained in an elastic tube is considered in this paper. In particular, we describe a probe system designed to non-invasively reproduce the morphology of the pulsatile arterial pressure waveform (APW). The study is focused in three main issues: the mechanical interface that transmits the forces associated to the distension of the wall of the tube to the sensor, the electronic conditioning circuit and the methods to assess the global accuracy of the system. The circuit, incorporates a, new to our knowledge, baseline restorer (BLR) that contributes to maintaining a stable (non-floating) baseline of the cardiac pressure pulses, making real-time observations more effective. Identification and correction of the systematic errors, responsible for deviations of the correct output morphology, are also discussed and tested for different waveforms. To assess the performance of the probe a special purpose test bench was developed that can originate an arbitrarily shaped pressure wave and launch it through a silicone-rubber tube. Finally, preliminary results, taken at the carotid site of a set of human volunteers, are shown. The probe can be incorporated in a collar, and its pulse waveforms exhibit high intra-patient repeatability. It has the potential of being used as an alternative to costly techniques such as ultrasound or applanation tonometry. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the probe when reproducing cardiac-like pressure waveforms yielded a value of 1.8 +/- 0.22%.

Abstract
An arterial pressure waveform recorder and analyser based on a Microchip PIC microcontroller (mu C), dsPIC33FJ256GP710 is described in this article. Our purpose is to develop a dsPIC based signal monitoring and processing system for cardiovascular studies, specially dedicated to arterial pressure waveform (APW) capture. We developed a piezoelectric (PZ) probe designed to reproduce the APW from the pulsatile activity taken non-invasively at the vicinity of a superficial artery. The advantages in developing a microcontroller based system show up in decreasing the associate cost, as well as in increasing the functionality of the system. Based on a MathWorks Simulink platform, the system supports the development and transfer of program code from a personal computer to the microcontroller, and evaluation of its execution on rapid prototyping hardware. Results demonstrate that embedded system can be an alternative to be used in autonomous cardiovascular probes. Although additional studies are still required, this probe seems to be a valid, low cost and easy to use alternative to expensive and hard to manipulate devices in the market.

Abstract
Over the last years, great emphasis has been placed on the role of arterial stiffness in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This hemodynamic parameter, generally associated to age and blood pressure increase, can be assessed by the measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV). Currently available devices that measure PWV are expensive and need to be operated by skilled medical staff, reducing the potential of ambulatory setting. This research project aims at developing and testing the sensoring and algorithmic basis of an alternative and non-invasive device for PWV assessment. The proposed device is based on a double-headed sensor probe and allows the assessment of PWV in one single location, providing important information on local arterial hemodynamics. Although studies to validate the clinical use of this system are still required, it has already demonstrated good performance on a dedicated test bench system, capable of reproducing a range of relevant cardiovascular system's properties. © 2011 IEEE.