Description

Blood Pressure Machine Mercurial

A mercurial sphygmomanometer, also known as a mercury blood pressure machine, is a classic tool for measuring blood pressure. While being phased out in many areas due to environmental concerns with mercury, it remains a valuable instrument prized for its accuracy. Here’s a breakdown of its components and function:

Components:

• Inflatable Cuff: A rubber arm cuff that encircles the upper arm and inflates to restrict blood flow.
• Manometer: The core component, containing a vertical glass tube filled with mercury. Pressure changes in the cuff are reflected by the rise and fall of the mercury column.
• Inflation Bulb: A hand-pumped rubber bulb used to inflate the cuff with air.
• Release Valve: A valve that controls the rate of air release from the cuff when taking a blood pressure reading.
• Stethoscope: A medical instrument used to listen to the sounds of blood flow in the brachial artery beneath the cuff.

Function:

1. Inflation: The cuff is inflated by squeezing the bulb until the brachial artery is occluded (blood flow is stopped). This pressure is usually 20-30 mmHg above the estimated systolic pressure.
2. Korotkoff Sounds: The stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery. As the pressure is slowly released from the cuff using the valve, the healthcare provider listens for specific Korotkoff sounds, tapping sounds produced by blood flow turbulence.
3. Blood Pressure Measurement:
   • Systolic Pressure: The pressure at which the first tapping sound is heard (indicates the beginning of blood flow overcoming the cuff pressure).
   • Diastolic Pressure: The pressure at which the tapping sounds disappear completely (indicates normal blood flow has resumed).
   • The healthcare provider reads the systolic and diastolic pressures from the mercury column scale on the manometer.

Advantages:

• Accurate: Considered a gold standard for blood pressure measurement due to its simple mechanical design.
• Durable: The sturdy construction can last for many years with proper care.
• No Batteries Needed: Entirely mechanical operation eliminates the need for batteries.