Sponsored Content by Merit SensorDec 13 2022Reviewed by Alex Smith
Blood pressure monitoring is important in the medical sector. Readings can be used to diagnose diseases and evaluate general health. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health risk and can indicate other health problems.1
Accurate and reliable blood pressure monitoring data is therefore essential. Monitoring blood pressure is not only necessary for standard usage but is crucial for online monitoring of a patient’s condition during critical surgical operations.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important medical application that requires precise online monitoring. ECMO is used for critically ill patients or during certain surgical procedures where the patient’s heart and lung functions are compromised.
The ECMO machine pumps the blood outside the body for carbon dioxide removal and reoxygenation before returning it to the patient.2 ECMO is a viable alternative to mechanical ventilation as it reduces lung damage caused by the positive pressures used in mechanical methods.
Blood pressure monitoring equipment is required with ECMO machines to monitor the patient’s condition and the machine itself.3 A healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. However, low blood pressure may be as little as 90/60 mmHg. Blood pressure monitors with an extended reading range can be highly beneficial in applications such as ECMO.
Figure 1. ECMO Machine featuring the BP Series extended range pressure sensor. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Merit Sensor Systems
Merit Sensor Systems is a globally renowned company with experience designing and producing highly accurate, piezoresistive technology-based pressure sensors.
Merit Sensor’s expertise includes providing pressure sensors for medical equipment and blood pressure monitoring applications.
The testing environment may significantly impact the patient's blood pressure measurements. Ambulatory blood pressure testing, in which portable devices are used to record blood pressure measurements throughout the day, is one method for improving data quality.4
Due to their compact sensor footprints, MEMS piezoresistive sensors and assemblies, such as the BP Series, are ideally suited for portable blood pressure monitoring applications.
Merit Sensor provides several sensor choices for blood pressure monitoring applications. These include the BP Series, which operates in normal pressure ranges, and the extended range version best suited for applications such as ECMO, where measurements must be taken over a wide range of -500 to 1000 mmHg.
The BP + T is designed for ultra-compact applications where temperature readings are also important.
BP Series sensors
Merit Sensor’s blood pressure monitoring sensors are suitable for invasive blood pressure monitoring measurements and applications such as ECMO.
The standard BP Series configuration BP0001 covers the pressure range of -30 to 300 mmHg, providing a reliable signal that does not need any temperature correction (operating temperature 15-40 °C). It is an ultra-compact sensor with a highly robust design, particularly for burst pressure readings (up to 800 psi). The device is also compliant with RoHS and AAMI BP22 standards.
The sensors are designed for easy integration into medical devices, with standard solder pads providing connectivity. The standard seal diameter is 4.8 mm (BP0001) and a smaller seal diameter of 3.2 mm (BP0002), which minimizes the overall footprint.
The primary rationale for the smaller seal diameter is to lower the amount of blood in contact with the sensor, minimizing the risk of clotting or coagulation, which can decrease overall blood flow.
A media-compatible medical dielectric gel is utilized with the sensor for medical applications. The BP Series also includes an IMDS file for simple and rapid media compatibility verification, reducing the time needed to develop device prototypes.
Figure 2. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Extended range
The BP Series Extended provides a broader pressure range for measurements from -500 to 1000 mmHg and is also designed for use in applications such as ECMO.
All of Merit Sensor’s blood pressure monitoring sensors are designed to endure high pressures and provide accurate pressure readings over their entire operational range.
The extended product shelf life of up to three years helps extend the lifespan of the medical devices and ensures that the pressure monitor stays functional, whether it is a short-term or long-term solution.
Figure 3. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
BP + T Series Extended Pressure Range Statistics
The BP + T sensor, which integrates pressure and temperature measurements in one device, is available as an upgrade option. The BP + T sensor is a direct in-flow measurement sensor that can monitor pressure and temperature at a single location.
The temperature reading is directly proportional to the Ohmic reading of the embedded thermistor, which is coated with a media-compatible substance. Two additional pads provide the temperature-measuring electrical connection (Kelvin-Point).
The BP + T sensor is also geometrically compatible with the BP0001 and overall BP Series Extended configurations. The 3D-Model files are available for the verification of this integration capability.
Figure 4. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Applications
Merit Sensor’s devices are already being used in several novel lung support therapies and blood pressure sensors as part of lightweight and portable emergency response cardiopulmonary support systems.
The company's superior quality can endure the pressure peaks encountered in ECMO applications. The sensors are also cost-effective and affordable, even for disposable medical devices.
Figure 5. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Contact Merit Sensor to find out which of its pressure sensors is the optimal choice for your blood pressure monitoring application and how you can benefit from its technical expertise and support.
Merit Sensor’s robust, reliable sensors could offer you the highest quality assurance for your medical applications.
References and further reading
- Elliott, W. J. (2003). The Economic Impact of Hypertension. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 5(3), 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-6175.2003.02463.x
- Patel, A. R., Patel, A. R., Singh, S., Singh, S., & Khawaja, I. (2019). Applied Uses of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy Different modes of ECMO therapy. Cureus, 11(7), e5163. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5163
- Mossadegh, C. (2017). Monitoring the ECMO. In: Mossadegh, C., Combes, A. (eds) Nursing Care and ECMO. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20101-6_5
- Turner, J. R., Viera, A. J., & Shimbo, D. (2015). Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Clinical Practice : A Review. The American Journal of Medicine, 128(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.07.021
About Merit Sensor
One size does not fit all. Whether it is design assistance, custom products or smaller volumes, clients need flexible solutions instead of rigid excuses.
In addition to our standard products, we offer an array of design and manufacturing services.
As the leader in piezoresistive pressure sensing, we are ready and able to address key issues such as media compatibility, sensitivity or packaging feasibility. Instead of searching for and interfacing with a variety of sources, we’ll get you the answers you need to get your products up and running quickly.
Design
We offer the following design services:
- Customization (sensitivity, resistance, bridge configurations, pressure ranges, pressure types, packages, etc.)
- Analysis (application, media, packaging etc.)
- Verification (prototyping, testing, etc.)
If we can’t do it for you, we will likely know who can and we will refer you to them.
Manufacturing
Because we own and operate our own wafer fabrication facility, we can offer the following manufacturing services:
- Customized manufacturing
- Selected contract manufacturing
- Small volume runs
Considering the years we have been in business, chances are we have or can create a solution for you.
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