Validation of a new piezoelectric device for noninvasive measurement of central aortic systolic blood pressure.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the aortic piezoelectric device for noninvasive measurement of central aortic systolic blood pressure (cSBP) with the SphygmoCor.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A total of 85 participants from both sexes, aged 18-80 years, were stratified into three age groups (<30, 30-60, >60 years), with an equal number of healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients. We performed three cSBP measurements with each device, in an alternate manner, using the Bland-Altman method to determine the level of agreement. The standard of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation for brachial blood pressure evaluation was used for the comparison.

RESULTS: The mean cSBPs were 109.3±12.05 and 109.0±12.2 mmHg with the SphygmoCor and the Aortic device, respectively, showing a strong correlation (r=0.98, P<0.001). A mean difference of 0.35±2.43 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.87, P=NS) was obtained with the Bland-Altman method. The 95% limits of agreement was -4.4 to +5.1 mmHg.

CONCLUSION: Complying with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criteria, cSBP measurements obtained with the Aortic and the SphygmoCor devices are equivalent.