Validation of a new piezoelectric device for noninvasive measurement of central aortic systolic blood pressure

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the aortic piezoelectric device for noninvasive measurement of central aortic systolic blood pressure (cSBP) with the SphygmoCor. Participants and methods A total of 85 participants from both sexes, aged 18-80 years, were stratified into three age groups (< 30, 30-60, > 60 years), with an equal number of healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients. We performed three cSBP measurements with each device, in an alternate manner, using the Bland-Altman method to determine the level of agreement. The standard of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation for brachial blood pressure evaluation was used for the comparison. Results The mean cSBPs were 109.3 +/- 12.05 and 109.0 +/- 12.2 mmHg with the SphygmoCor and the Aortic device, respectively, showing a strong correlation (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). A mean difference of 0.35 +/- 2.43 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.87, P=NS) was obtained with the Bland-Altman method. The 95% limits of agreement was -4.4 to + 5.1 mmHg. Conclusion Complying with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criteria, cSBP measurements obtained with the Aortic and the SphygmoCor devices are equivalent. Copyright (C) 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.