Israeli researchers develop tiny blood pressure sensor that could replace traditional cuffs
The sensor uses pulses of light to generate ultrasound waves inside an artery
Assessment
A new light-based sensor small enough to fit inside an artery could make the familiar inflatable cuff obsolete. The technology generates ultrasound waves from light pulses to measure pressure directly from within the vessel. If trials succeed, it would mean continuous monitoring for patients who currently get only snapshots. The key question is how the device fares in long term safety and accuracy testing.