An improved reflective photoplethysmograph probe design for detection of an arterial blood flow

Abstract

The current work presents the design and development of an improved probe for arterial blood flow measurement. The probe was designed as a reflective photoplethysmograph. Photoplethysmographs are optical detectors by which it is possible to indicate the volume of blood within or passing through tissue. In order to develop and test the probe performances, four different locations—the brachial, carotid, femoral and temporal arteries—were used as photoplethysmographic sites. In addition, a new simple method to eliminate electromagnetic noise and to reduce moving artefacts is also presented.

Keywords:

• Photoplethysmograph
• Blood flow
• Electrode
• Electromagnetic noise