Determination of vessel wall dynamics by optical microsensors.

Spectralphotometric measurement methods as, for example, pulse oximetry are established approaches for extracorporeal determination of blood constituents. We measure the dynamics of the arterial distension intracorporeally thus extending the scope of the method substantially. A miniaturized opto-electronic sensor is attached directly to larger arteries without harming the vessel. The transmitted light through the arteries shows a linear correlation with the pulsatile expansion in theory as well as in experiments. Intra-arterial blood pressure also shows a linear interrelationship with the optical signal. Measurements of blood vessel wall dynamics has great potential to quantify arteriosclerosis by this new and innovative approach.