SphygmoCor Vx Central Blood Pressure/Pulse Wave Velocity System

• SphygmoCor Vx is a simple-to-use "doctors office" Pulse Wave Velocity system, with automated software analysis and database facilities
• The pulse waveform recordings and ECG recordings are extensively evaluated to ensure consistent quality of the recordings
• Only one operator is required to use the system

The Vx system enables the measurement of the velocity of the pressure wave along a specific arterial segment. The velocity of the pressure wave along the artery is dependent upon the stiffness of the artery. This system is most commonly used to measure the aortic pulse wave velocity, by taking a reading at the carotid artery and the femoral artery. Aortic pulse wave velocity typically doubles between the ages of 30 and 60.

Pulse Wave Velocity

Arterial stiffness is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Increases in arterial stiffness increase central systolic & pulse pressure, and demand on the left ventricle, and decrease the perfusion pressure through the coronary arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.

Pulse wave velocity is a well-established technique for obtaining a measure of arterial stiffness between two locations in the arterial tree. The velocity of the pulse wave along an artery is dependent on the stiffness of that artery.

Most commonly, pulse wave velocity is measured between the carotid and femoral peripheral artery sites in order to provide a measure of aortic stiffness. This aortic pulse wave velocity increases rapidly with age, typically doubling between the ages of 30 and 60.

The SphygmoCor Vx Central Blood Pressure/Pulse Wave Velocity System is sold as an add-on to Px System, and measures the velocity of the blood pressure waveform between any two superficial artery sites. It uses a single-lead ECG and then a tonometer to measure the pressure pulse waveform sequentially in the two peripheral artery sites (eg. carotid & femoral). When used in conjunction with the SphygmoCor Px System, the system provides a comprehensive assessment of the clinical significance of the arterial stiffness measured.