The Search for High-Impact Diagnostic and Management Tools for Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Self-Powered Low-Cost Blood Pressure Measurement Device Powered by a Solid-State Vibration Energy Harvester.
The World Health Organization has established recommendations for blood pressure measurement devices for use in low-resource venues, setting the "triple A" expectations of Accuracy, Affordability, and Availability. Because of issues related to training and assessment of proficiency, the pendulum has swung away from manual blood pressure devices and auscultatory techniques towards automatic oscillometric devices. As a result of power challenges in the developing world, there has also been a push towards semiautomatic devices that are not dependent on external power sources or batteries. Beyond solar solutions, disruptive technology related to solid-state vibrational energy harvesting may be the next iterative solution to attain the ultimate goal of a self-powered low-cost validated device that is simple to use and reliable.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.
Onur
O
Bilgen
Cardiovascular Associates, Colleagues in Care, Virginia Beach, VA.
John G
JG
Kenerson
College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.
Muge
M
Akpinar-Elci
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.
Rebecca
R
Hattery
Virginia Beach Obstetrics, Virginia Beach, VA.
Lisbet M
LM
Hanson
D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D004389:Durable Medical Equipment / Q000592:standards; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors