What method replaced listening for Korotkoff sounds in automated home monitors?
Answer
The oscillometric method
The transition toward devices usable by the general public—the direct ancestors of modern home blood pressure monitors—was facilitated by automating the detection process. This automation involved moving away from subjective auditory analysis (listening for Korotkoff sounds) and adopting the oscillometric method. This technique functions by detecting the pressure oscillations that occur in the artery wall as the cuff is deflating. By utilizing an electronic sensor and a microprocessor instead of a professional ear to interpret sounds, these newer devices transformed a highly operator-dependent tool into a practical, accessible instrument for home use, although they still relied on the inflatable cuff principle.
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