# A Wearable Ultrasonic System for Automatic, Continuous, and Noninvasive Monitoring of Central Blood Pressure

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2022 · $492,066

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
This proposed project aims to develop a wearable ultrasonic patch for automatic, continuous, and noninvasive
central blood pressure monitoring. Hypertension is a “silent killer” since it gradually induces a series of
cardiovascular diseases, usually without any obvious symptoms. Compared with brachial blood pressure
acquired by the cuff, blood pressure at central locations has been proven to be more valuable for predicting
future cardiovascular events and disease risks. Thus, it is essential to measure central blood pressure regularly
to maximize the blood pressure management outcome. This research is distinct from all other existing methods
for central blood pressure measurements that have a series of different technical challenges, such as the use of
invasive procedures, insufficient accuracy, and significant dependence on the operator’s skills. In 2018, the PI’s
group invented the first wearable ultrasonic device for central blood pressure recording, supported by an R21
grant from NIH. However, this device still needs cables for power and data transfer, manual processing of the
data, and a low signal-to-noise ratio. In this proposed project, we will demonstrate a wearable ultrasonic
transducer array integrated with miniaturized wireless control electronics and automatic data processing
algorithms. The integrated control electronics will eliminate the bulky setup and connecting wires. The
phased-array beamforming will focus and steer the ultrasound beam to search the blood vessels and improve
the signal-to-noise ratio and the spatial resolution. All data acquired by the wearable ultrasonic device will be
wirelessly transmitted to a terminal receiver (e.g., a smartphone), where a deep learning based algorithm is
running for further data processing. The customized algorithm will automatically localize the targeted artery and
track both the anterior and posterior walls of the vessel without the supervision of human operators. Thereby,
the operator dependence in conventional ultrasound systems will be eliminated, and device usability can be
much improved. Finally, the proposed entire system will be validated on patients against arterial catheterization,
the current gold standard for central blood pressure monitoring in clinical settings. If successful, this proposed
study will provide patients with a device that can access their central blood pressure automatically, continuously,
and noninvasively. Using a stretchable platform that matches the softness of the human skin will make a key
difference in patient acceptance and monitoring outcomes. The ease of measurements enabled by the
automatic algorithm can significantly help high-throughput screening of central blood pressure in the general
population and guide the development of antihypertensive drugs, which can eventually translate to a significant
reduction in blood pressure associated mortality and healthcare costs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10504949
- **Project number:** 1R01EB033464-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Sheng Xu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $492,066
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10504949

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10504949, A Wearable Ultrasonic System for Automatic, Continuous, and Noninvasive Monitoring of Central Blood Pressure (1R01EB033464-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10504949. Licensed CC0.

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