Automated devices are more commonly used in clinical practice. They are easy to use and eliminate the observer bias encountered with manual devices. The original devices utilized two cuffs, whereas modern devices utilize a single cuff that performs the function of both cuffs from the original device.
Blood pressure can be determined by using one of the three following detection principles:
- Korotkoff’s sounds using a microphone
- Arterial blood flow using ultrasound
- Arterial pulsation using oscillometry
Most automated devices are based on the principle of oscillometry. With the introduction of modern electronics, it is now possible to digitally display blood pressure readings on the monitor and to store the data. Some devices use two tubes, one to inflate the cuff and the other to detect the pressure within the cuff, and some use only a single tube for both inflation and deflation.
