Open AccessThe Search for High‐Impact Diagnostic and Management Tools for Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Self‐Powered Low‐Cost Blood Pressure Measurement Device Powered by a Solid‐State Vibration Energy Harvester
Author(s) -
Bilgen Onur,
Kenerson John G.,
AkpinarElci Muge,
Hattery Rebecca,
Hanson Lisbet M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the journal of clinical hypertension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1751-7176
pISSN - 1524-6175
DOI - 10.1111/jch.12554
Subject(s) - medicine , solid state , solar powered , power (physics) , operations management , solar energy , electrical engineering , physics , engineering physics , quantum mechanics , engineering , economics
The World Health Organization has established recommendations for blood pressure measurement devices for use in low‐resource venues, setting the “triple A” expectations of Accuracy, Affordability, and Availability. Because of issues related to training and assessment of proficiency, the pendulum has swung away from manual blood pressure devices and auscultatory techniques towards automatic oscillometric devices. As a result of power challenges in the developing world, there has also been a push towards semiautomatic devices that are not dependent on external power sources or batteries. Beyond solar solutions, disruptive technology related to solid‐state vibrational energy harvesting may be the next iterative solution to attain the ultimate goal of a self‐powered low‐cost validated device that is simple to use and reliable.