Sphygmograph

The sphygmograph was a mechanical device used to measure blood pressure in the mid-19th century. It was developed in 1854 by German physiologist Karl von Vierordt (1818-1884}. It is considered the first external, non-intrusive device used to estimate blood pressure.

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The device was a system of levers hooked to a scale-pan in which weights were placed to determine the amount of external pressure needed to stop blood flow in the radial artery. Although the instrument was cumbersome and its measurements imprecise, the basic concept of Vierordt's sphygmograph eventually led to the blood pressure cuff that's used today.

In 1863, Etienne-Jules Marey (1830-1904), improved the device by making it portable. Also he used an instrument applied above the radial artery which was able to magnify pulse waves and record them on paper with an attached pen.

In 1880 Samuel von Basch (1837-1905) invented the sphygmomanometer. The sphygmomanometer was then improved by Scipione Riva-Rocci (1863-1937) in the 1890s. In 1901 Harvey Williams Cushing improved it further, and Heinrich von Recklinghausen (1867-1942) used a wider cuff, and so it became the first accurate and practical instrument for measuring blood pressure.

External references:

• Drawing of Vierordt's Sphygmograph
• Marey's Sphygmograph
• Observations on Blood Pressure