Background: Pulse wave analysis (PWA) using cuff based methods emerged within the last years. The combined analysis of PWA and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very promising. Therefore long tubes from the cuff to the measurement system are needed. The aim of this work is the investigation of the effect of different cuffs and tubes with different lengths on the PWA results.

Methods: To evaluate the dynamic behavior of cuff based sensor chains we performed both tests on step response (similar to “pop test”) as well as forced sinusoidal harmonic excitation by the means of a fully automated and standardized custom testing bench. The variation of cuff sizes, tube material and tube dimensions (diameter and length) was intended to account the influence of the framework conditions on the PWA results.

Results: The resonant frequencies of the evaluated cuff based systems are mainly based on the tube type and tube length. In detail the resonant frequency is reduced in proportion to the tube length. Furthermore in very large arrangements the pressure curve will be distorted. In particular PWA is very difficult with long tubes.

Conclusions: Based on our actual data especially the influence of the tube length has a major impact on the pressure measurement results. We suggest that a special design of the tubes can achieve proper results for PWA analysis also with long tubes.