[Advances in sphygmomanometry (author's transl)].

Problems of the accuracy and reliability of Riva-Rocci's non-invasive method of measuring blood pressure always arise when the cuff does not fit well, i.e. with a very conical upper limb, adiposity or in neonates or patients in shock. From thorough clinical investigations it appeared that the cuff used for blood pressure measurements in adults and the few models for neonates and children are too inaccurate. The cuff must enclose the limb completely and have a minimum ratio of breadth to length of 1 : 3. An integral inflatable cuff unit has been developed and clinically tested in our laboratory during the last two years. It consists of a heat-sealed polyolefine film.