Question:

What are the advantages of the von Recklinghausen oscillotonometer over the manual sphygmomanometer?

Answer:

The von Recklinghausen oscillotonometer method does not rely on use of a stethoscope or the ability of the human ear to detect and distinguish differences in Korotkoff's sounds.

This device enables monitoring of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure without using a stethoscope. However, one should carefully observe the oscillations on the aneroid gauge to record the pressure accurately. Again, this can give rise to operator error.

Using a manual sphygmomanometer, only systolic and diastolic blood pressures can be recorded, whereas the von Recklinghausen oscillotonometer can record systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure.