Innovative Technologies
What is PWTT?
PWTT can detect sudden blood pressure change and trigger NIBP measurement to confirm it. Together with periodic NIBP measurement, this can provide more complete blood pressure monitoring.
PWTT, pulse wave transit time, is a new non-invasive parameter which can indicate sudden change in blood pressure. PWTT is measured by continuous monitoring of ECG and pulse wave. No additional sensors or modules are required.
In most cases, change in PWTT correlates with change in blood pressure. When PWTT change exceeds a threshold, it triggers NIBP measurement to confirm blood pressure.
Periodic NIBP measurement is only measured at specified times so sudden critical blood pressure changes that occur between the periodic measurements may be missed until the next periodic measurement.
Nihon Kohden's innovative PWTT technology could solve this problem. With PWTT, if sudden blood pressure change occurs between periodic NIBP measurements, PWTT can detect it and trigger an NIBP measurement to confirm it.
PWTT has a correlation with blood pressure in most cases. However it cannot catch all instances of blood pressure change. See the "Measurement Limitations" section for more details. With recognition of these limitations, PWTT can be a valuable enhancement to noninvasive blood pressure monitoring.