Sphygmograph
Encyclopedia
The sphygmograph was a mechanical device used to measure blood pressure
in the mid-19th century. It was developed in 1854 by German physiologist Karl von Vierordt
(1818-1884). It is considered the first external, non-intrusive device used to estimate blood pressure.
The device was a system of levers hooked to a scale-pan in which weights were placed to determine the amount of external pressure needed to stop blood flow in the radial artery
. Although the instrument was cumbersome and its measurements imprecise, the basic concept of Vierordt's sphygmograph eventually led to the blood pressure cuff that's used today.
In 1863, Etienne-Jules Marey
(1830-1904), improved the device by making it portable. Also he used an instrument applied above the radial artery which was able to magnify pulse waves and record them on paper with an attached pen.
In 1880 Samuel von Basch (1837-1905) invented the sphygmomanometer
. The sphygmomanometer was then improved by Scipione Riva-Rocci
(1863-1937) in the 1890s. In 1901 Harvey Williams Cushing improved it further, and Heinrich von Recklinghausen
(1867-1942) used a wider cuff, and so it became the first accurate and practical instrument for measuring blood pressure.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. When used without further specification, "blood pressure" usually refers to the arterial pressure of the systemic circulation. During each heartbeat, BP varies...
in the mid-19th century. It was developed in 1854 by German physiologist Karl von Vierordt
Karl von Vierordt
Karl von Vierordt was a German physician. He studied at the universities of Berlin, Göttingen, Vienna, and Heidelberg, and began a practice in Karlsruhe in 1842...
(1818-1884). It is considered the first external, non-intrusive device used to estimate blood pressure.
The device was a system of levers hooked to a scale-pan in which weights were placed to determine the amount of external pressure needed to stop blood flow in the radial artery
Radial artery
In human anatomy, the radial artery is the main blood vessel, with oxygenated blood, of the lateral aspect of the forearm.-Course:The radial artery arises from the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. It runs distally on the anterior part of the forearm...
. Although the instrument was cumbersome and its measurements imprecise, the basic concept of Vierordt's sphygmograph eventually led to the blood pressure cuff that's used today.
In 1863, Etienne-Jules Marey
Étienne-Jules Marey
Étienne-Jules Marey was a French scientist and chronophotographer.His work was significant in the development of cardiology, physical instrumentation, aviation, cinematography and the science of labor photography...
(1830-1904), improved the device by making it portable. Also he used an instrument applied above the radial artery which was able to magnify pulse waves and record them on paper with an attached pen.
In 1880 Samuel von Basch (1837-1905) invented the sphygmomanometer
Sphygmomanometer
A sphygmomanometer or blood pressure meter is a device used to measure blood pressure, comprising an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, and a mercury or mechanical manometer to measure the pressure. It is always used in conjunction with a means to determine at what pressure blood flow is just...
. The sphygmomanometer was then improved by Scipione Riva-Rocci
Scipione Riva-Rocci
Scipione Riva-Rocci was an Italian internist and pediatrician who was a native of Almese. He earned his medical degree in 1888 from the University of Turin, and from 1900 until 1928 was director of the hospital in Varese.He developed an easy to use version of the sphygmomanometer...
(1863-1937) in the 1890s. In 1901 Harvey Williams Cushing improved it further, and Heinrich von Recklinghausen
Heinrich von Recklinghausen
Heinrich von Recklinghausen was a German physician and scientist from Würzburg. After receiving his medical doctorate in 1895, he worked as an assistant in several hospitals. In 1902 he moved to Bern, where he worked in the Physiological Institute of Hugo Kronecker...
(1867-1942) used a wider cuff, and so it became the first accurate and practical instrument for measuring blood pressure.
