A team of Chinese researchers has developed a conformal and stretchable piezoelectric microsystem (CSPM) capable of long-term, precise monitoring of cardiovascular health, according to a report in Nature Communications.
The device addresses a major limitation of existing cuffless blood pressure monitors, which require frequent recalibration, particularly during extended use. Developed collaboratively by Tianjin University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), the CSPM integrates advanced device design with algorithmic optimization to deliver reliable readings over time.
The microsystem features two core sensing modules that operate simultaneously in the same localized vascular area, allowing precise measurement of pulse wave velocity and vascular diameter with a resolution of 4.928 micrometers. The technology captures comprehensive hemodynamic parameters necessary for accurate blood pressure calculation.
Measuring less than 450 micrometers in thickness and weighing under one gram, the device is encapsulated in stretchable silicone rubber, conforming closely to curved skin surfaces such as the wrist. Its hydrophobic, sweat-resistant, and biocompatible design enables continuous operation for up to three hours without compromising accuracy.
On the software side, the research team developed a demographics-based adaptive blood pressure model and a time-decay compensation strategy, ensuring calibration-free measurement and long-term stability even with minor sensor slippage.
Tests on 45 participants demonstrated consistent accuracy across different genders, ages, and skin tones. The CSPM successfully tracked blood pressure fluctuations over seven days without recalibration, achieving performance comparable to professional cuff-based medical devices.
Experts say the innovation could revolutionize hypertension screening, early cardiovascular disease warning, and long-term patient management, overcoming the longstanding challenges of cuffless blood pressure monitoring.