Innovative Wearable Blood Pressure Device Mimics a Bandage for Continuous, Real-Time Monitoring

Researchers from Seoul National University College of Engineering have introduced a pioneering wearable device capable of monitoring blood pressure continuously and in real-time, designed to be attached seamlessly to the skin like a bandage. Unlike traditional cuff-based monitors, which rely on inflating a bladder around the arm and only provide intermittent readings, this new technology offers persistent observation over extended periods, enhancing blood pressure management and early detection of cardiovascular issues.

The device utilizes a flexible, electronic patch that adheres comfortably to the skin, allowing users to monitor their blood pressure without discomfort or inconvenience. This innovation was developed through a collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and is detailed in the latest issue of Advanced Functional Materials.

Conventional blood pressure measurement methods pose certain limitations—they can be uncomfortable, require proper cuff positioning to ensure accuracy, and only provide snapshots of blood pressure at specific moments. These constraints hamper the effective monitoring of dynamic blood pressure changes, which are crucial for diagnosing and preventing heart-related diseases.

Addressing these challenges, the research team devised a method that leverages the physiological delay in transmitting electrical and mechanical signals from the heart to the wrist. By analyzing the time difference between the rapid electrical signals (electrocardiogram) and slight mechanical movements caused by blood flow, they developed a model that accurately estimates systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

The core of this innovation is a liquid metal-based electronic circuit, created using a specialized laser sintering process. Liquid metal, which remains in a liquid state at room temperature and conducts electricity efficiently, is compatible with skin-like elasticity. The laser sintering technique enables precise circuit patterning despite liquid metal’s high surface tension, resulting in a highly flexible, stretchable device that maintains performance even under significant deformation—up to 700% stretching and over 10,000 deformation cycles.

This device not only measures blood pressure accurately but also tracks rapid physiological changes, such as blood pressure fluctuations during exercise. Its integration into daily life allows individuals, especially those with chronic conditions like hypertension, to continuously monitor their health conveniently and non-invasively. This could transform health management, shifting from hospital-centric assessments to personal, real-time health insights.

Furthermore, the device's ability to detect sudden blood pressure variations offers potential applications in personalized exercise routines, fitness tracking, and workplace safety. The manufacturing process and material choice suggest that this technology could be integrated into various wearable formats, including smartwatches, medical patches, or even breathable clothing, paving the way for a new era in smart healthcare.

Professor Seung Hwan Ko emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating that it challenges the traditional view of blood pressure measurement as an inconvenient, infrequent task. As a non-invasive tool capable of continuous, real-time data collection, this device could significantly enhance the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases by providing accessible and accurate health monitoring solutions.

Co-authors Jung Jae Park and Sangwoo Hong are continuing to develop this biosignal-based sensor technology, aiming to incorporate wireless communication and artificial intelligence for further advancements. Overall, this innovation promises to make proactive health management more practical, comfortable, and widely accessible, marking a significant step toward the future of personalized healthcare.