ABSTRACT
The measurement of pressure for physiological assessment of function has become increasingly important. Technological developments demonstrate that such goals are feasible. Present systems are being used as chronically implantable systems in animals. The user has asked that the transducer and its associated physiological monitoring systems become smaller and more reliable; work accurately for long periods of time; and constantly cost less, therefore becoming more readily available. Use of catheter-tipped transducers has also been hampered by their sensitivity to blood temperature changes and to base-line instability caused by alterations in blood flow. The requirement for frequency response in order to accurately reproduce wave forms during intravascular pressure measurement is well established. With smaller size must come the eventual design requirements of battery operation — first from transmitter units outside the body and eventually from battery power implanted at the time of surgery. For animal work there is a need for continued development and use of implantable systems.
