WO2013147738A1

WO2013147738A1 - Multi-limb non-invasive blood pressure measurement

Info

Publication number: WO2013147738A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/030580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohamad M. EL-GHOUCH
Original assignee: Draeger Medical Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-03-26
Filing date: 2012-03-26
Publication date: 2013-10-03

Abstract

A system is provided that includes a single pump connected to at least two hoses each in turn connected to a blood pressure measuring cuff. Each cuff is attached to a different limb of a patient. The system measures the blood pressure in each limb in a serial fashion, such that each cuff is inflated and deflated in turn. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.

Description

Multi-Limb Non-Invasive Blood Pressure

Measurement

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates generally to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to devices, systems, articles, and methods used to improve the accuracy of non-invasive blood pressure measurements, especially in multiple limbs (e.g., arms, etc.) of a patient.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) measuring methods have been implemented. One form of NIBP measurement is the auscultatory method, which involves using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. An inflatable cuff is positioned around the upper arm of a patient roughly level with the patient's heart. The cuff, attached to a manometer, is inflated until the brachial artery at the elbow is completely occluded. The stethoscope is used to listen to the brachial artery as the pressure in the cuff is slowly released. When blood again starts to flow in the artery, the turbulent flow acting against the arterial walls vibrates creating a whooshing noise known as Korotkoff sounds. The first of five phases of Korotkoff sounds appears at the point when the pressure within the cuff is equivalent to the systolic or peak pressure within the blood vessel. The pressure in the cuff is then further released until laminar blood flow is restored and no sound can be heard which represents the fifth Korotkoff phase, indicative of the diastolic arterial pressure. Because the primary embodiment of the auscultatory method involves a stethoscope and manual interpretation of the Korotkoff sounds by a clinician, it is best suited for periodic as opposed to continuous NIBP readings.

[0003] The oscillometric method is another NIBP measurement method that involves the electronic observation of oscillations in the sphygmomanometer cuff pressure caused by the changes in arterial flow resulting from inflating and deflating the cuff. The cuff pressure oscillations are observed using a pressure sensor or transducer and electronics to automatically interpret the oscillations. The inflatable cuff suitably located on the limb of a patient is inflated to a predetermined pressure above the patient's estimated systolic pressure. The cuff pressure is then gradually reduced over a relatively short period of time in predetermined decrements to below diastolic pressure. At each level, the oscillations in the cuff are monitored by the transducer. When blood flow is obstructed and when blood flow is unimpeded, the cuff pressure will be relatively constant and no oscillations present. When some blood flow is present, but restricted, the cuff pressure monitored by the pressure transducer will vary with the cyclic expansion and contraction of the brachial artery generating oscillation signals. As the decrementing continues, the peak amplitudes of the oscillations will normally increase from a lower level to a relative maximum, and thereafter will decrease. These amplitudes form an oscillometric envelope for the patient. The cuff pressure at which the oscillations have a maximum value has been found to be representative of the mean arterial pressure (MAP).

[0004] The oscillometric method provides certain advantages in that readings can be taken on a nearly continuous basis with minimal to no risk to the patient as compared to the invasive method. The oscillometric method can also be performed automatically with minimal effort as compared to the auscultatory method, and unlike the auscultatory method, which can directly obtain only systolic and diastolic measurements, can obtain systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure measurements. Further, the readings can be performed by a lay person, and because they are automatic, in hospital settings, such readings serve as a surveillance tool to monitor blood pressure continuously, providing a trend of any changes in blood pressure and/or alerting a clinician of any significant change.

[0005] Recent recommendations by respected organizations such as the American Heart Association indicate that optimal monitoring of the heart health includes monitoring the difference in blood pressure between the two arms of a patient. Automated blood pressure measurements made using the oscillometric method with a device that has one pump and one blood pressure measuring cuff may not be repeatedly accurate.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, provided herein is a system including a pump, an inflation line, two blood pressure monitoring cuffs, a first and second hose, a multi- port switching valve, and a monitor system that includes a user interface, a display, a memory, and a control system that causes appropriate inflation and deflation of each cuff in a serial manner. The inflation line is connected to the pump, and gas is moved through the inflation line by action of the pump. Each of the two blood pressure monitoring cuffs is configured to obtain a blood pressure measurement from a different limb of a patient. The first and second hoses are each operably connected to the inflation line, and each hose terminates in a different blood pressure measuring cuff. The multi-port switching valve includes a first port connected to the first hose, a second port connected to the second hose, and a third port connected to the inflation line. The monitor system is operably connected to the pump, the multi-port switching valve, and the blood pressure monitoring cuffs. The monitor system includes a memory to store one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs. The control system converts input received through the user interface into commands to operate the pump and the multi-port switching valve.

[0007] The patient's limbs (as used herein) can include arms and/or legs. The one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by blood pressure cuffs can include oscillometric blood pressure measurements. The multi-port switching valve can allow for fluid communication between the inflation line and the first hose or between the inflation line and the second hose while prohibiting simultaneous communication between the inflation line and both the firs and the second hoses. The monitor system can receive systolic, diastolic, and/or mean blood pressure

measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs. The monitor system can enter an alarm state when one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs are not within an acceptable range. The monitor system can enter an alarm state when a difference between blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs is greater than a predetermined amount or threshold. The monitor system can store one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs. The monitor system can display one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs. The monitor system can further include a user input module. The monitor system can further include a data transmission module. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a single lumen hose. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a dual lumen hose.

[0008] In another aspect, a system includes a single pump, two blood pressure monitoring cuffs, a first and a second hose, one or more valves configured to operate such that the pump provides compressed gas either to the first or second hose, but not both the first and second hose simultaneously. The single pump provides compressed gas to the system. Each of the two blood pressure monitoring cuffs is configured to obtain a blood pressure measurement from a different limb of a patient. Each of the first and second hose is fluidly connected to the pump and each hose terminates in a different blood pressure measuring cuff.

[0009] The system can further include either a third or a third and fourth hose, each hose fluidly connected to the pump and terminating in a blood pressure measuring cuff that is configured to obtain a blood pressure measurement from a patient's limb. The blood pressure measuring cuff attached to the first hose can be attached to a first arm of a patient and the blood pressure measuring cuff attached to the second hose can be attached to a second arm of a patient. The system can further include a monitor system that can be operably connected to the single pump, the one or more valves, and the blood pressure monitoring cuffs. The monitor system can be configured to cause appropriate inflation and deflation of the cuff attached to the first hose then inflation of the cuff attached to the second hose in a serial manner. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a single lumen hose. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a dual lumen hose.

[0010] In an interrelated aspect, provided herein is a method that includes providing compressed gas from a pump to a first blood pressure measuring cuff through a first hose, obtaining a first blood pressure measurement value from a first limb of a patient using the first blood pressure measuring cuff, transmitting the first blood pressure measurement value from the first blood pressure measuring cuff to a monitor system, and ceasing to provide compressed gas from the pump to the first blood pressure measuring cuff. The method further includes providing compressed gas from the pump to a second blood pressure measuring cuff through a second hose, obtaining a second blood pressure measurement value in a second limb of a patient using the second blood pressure measuring cuff, and transmitting the second blood pressure measurement value from the second blood pressure measuring cuff to the monitor system.

[0011] The first and second limbs of a patient can include arms. The method can further include reviewing the blood pressure measurements taken by the blood pressure monitoring system and taking action on the patient when the blood pressure measurements are outside of acceptable ranges. The acceptable ranges can include values for: a patient's mean arterial pressure, a patient's systolic pressure, a patient's diastolic pressure, or any combination thereof. The acceptable ranges can include values for the difference between blood pressure measurements of the first limb and second limb of a patient. The method can further include causing the blood pressure measurements taken by the blood pressure monitoring system to be stored in the memory of the monitor system. The method can further include transmitting the stored blood pressure measurements to a health care provider, a medical records repository, a remote health care facility, or any combination thereof. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a single lumen hose. The first hose, the second hose, or both the first and second hose can include a dual lumen hose.

[0012] The current subject matter provides many advantages. For example, the systems, devices, articles, and methods describe herein facilitate the automation of blood pressure monitoring in patients who are prone to cardiovascular disease and require blood pressure measurements from more than one limb (e.g. both arms). Implementations described allow for a caregiver or health professional to place two or more blood pressure cuffs on a patient, initiate the obtaining of blood pressure readings, and to monitor other parameters of the patient's health while the blood pressure measurements are obtained from the limbs serially. This allows for greater efficiency in the caregiver or health care professional, as well as improved accuracy over using one cuff that is manually attached and removed from patient. Additionally, the use of a single pump with one or more valves to direct the inflation of blood pressure measuring cuffs allows for a compact measuring system with fewer components to maintain as compared to systems with multiple pumps and multiple cuffs.

[0013] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor system according to an implementation; and

[0015] FIG. 2 is a representative flow diagram of use of a non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Disclosed herein are non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor systems, devices, articles, and methods in which a user can easily and accurately determine the blood pressure in two of a patient's limbs, particularly two arms of a patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are NIBP monitor systems, devices, articles, and methods which allow for the comparative measurement of blood pressure in two limbs of a patient involving the use of two blood pressure measuring cuffs and a single pump or other pressurized gas source. The systems, devices, articles, and methods described herein are appropriate for continuous, automatic NIBP readings and as such can be used for real-time patient monitoring in a variety of medical facilities such as in the hospital ward, operating room, intensive care unit, recovery, and the emergency room. It should be appreciated that the systems, devices, articles, and methods described herein can be used wherever a patient is being treated and should not be limited to a particular medical facility.

MONITOR SYSTEM

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor system according to an implementation. The monitor system 105 is connected to two hoses, 135 and 145, that are in turn each connected to a blood pressure monitoring cuff, 140 and 150. Within the monitor system 105 are the mechanical components to effect the inflation and deflation of each blood pressure monitoring cuff, 140 and 150, in turn. Such mechanical components include a single pump 120, an inflation line 125 connected to the pump 120, and a multi-port switching valve 130 that is connect at a first port to one of the hoses 135, connected at a second port to the other hose 145, and connected at a third port to the inflation line 125. Optionally, the monitor system 105 includes two valves 165 and 170 located along the inflation line 125 where the line 125 connects to the pump 120. The electronics to power the system, control the mechanical components, and allow for exchange of commands and information between a user and the system are also located within the monitor system 105. These electronic components include a display 110, a user interface 115, a memory 155, and a control system 160.

[0018] The user interface, or user input module, 115 allows a user, such as a health care provider, to direct the operation of the system. The input provided by the user into the user interface 115 is translated into commands by the control system 160 to operate the pump 120, the multi-port switching valve 130 and the blood pressure monitoring cuffs 140 and 150. The pump 120 provides compressed gas, such as air, through the inflation line 125 and multi-port switching valve 130. The pump 120 can be interchanged in practice with any source of compressed gas that can be controlled to provide an appropriate amount of gas in response to commands from a control system.

[0019] The multi-port switching valve 130 operates to allow compressed gas to flow from the inflation line 125 to the first hose 135 or from the inflation line to the second hose 145. The multi-port switching valve 130 does not allow for fluid communication, that is the flow of gas such as air, simultaneously between the inflation line 125 and both the first and second hoses 135 and 145. Thus, the first blood pressure monitoring cuff 140 inflates with compressed gas from the pump 120, and as the cuff 140 deflates, a blood pressure measurement is taken and transmitted back to the monitor system 105. This process in the first cuff 140 is followed by a similar process in the second blood pressure monitoring cuff 150. The control system 160 operates the pump 120 and the multi-port switching valve 130 to appropriately inflate and deflate the cuff 140, attached to the first hose 135, and inflate and deflate the second cuff 150, attached to the second hose 145, in a serial manner.

[0020] The multi-port switching valve 130 is described above as a three- port valve. Alternatively, the multi-port switching valve 130 can have four or five ports to accommodate connections to additional hoses so that blood pressure measurements can be taken from three or four limbs of a patient in series utilizing one pump. [0021] In some implementations, the system can accommodate any number of hoses and blood pressure measuring cuffs, such as one hose and blood pressure measuring cuff, two hoses and blood pressure measuring cuffs, or up to four hoses and blood pressure measuring cuffs. The system can include a hose detection mechanism in order to automatically detect how many hoses are connected. The hose detection mechanism can be based on metal detection principles. In an

implementation, coils can be present on the system, such as at connection points on the multi-port valve 130, where each hose connects, and these coils can connect to a circuit that can detect a change in inductance. In such implementations, a metal piece is present at the hose plug. When this metal piece is inserted in a coil at a connection point on the system, the circuit detects this change in inductance and sends a signal to the control system 160. The control system 160 determines that a hose is connected at a certain location and properly operates the system for the number of hoses attached in their respective locations in the system. For example, if a hose is not detected at a particular connection point, then the multi-port valve 130 is configured by the control system 160 to close the corresponding port.

[0022] The blood pressure monitoring cuffs, 140 and 150, transmit blood pressure measurements to the monitor system 105. The monitor system 105 can store the measurements in memory 155, display the measurements on the display 110, or both store the measurements in memory and display the measurements. The monitor system 105 can further process the measurements to derive values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and display these values along with the original

measurements. Additionally, the monitor system 105 can further process the measurements to derive values for the difference in measurements from the first and second cuff and display these values along with the original measurements. The monitor system 105 can store multiple blood pressure measurement values, associate each with a particular time, date, and/or patient, and can display these values on the display 110 or transmit the information to an external location. The user can use the user interface 115 to indicate what type of values he or she wishes to see on the display 110 or to be stored in the memory 155.

[0023] The user interface 115 can include a graphical user interface (GUI), a key board, a key pad, scrolling buttons, soft buttons whose functions change depending on the menu presented to the user, a jog dial, a mouse, a track pad, fixed buttons with unchanging actions associated with the buttons, or any combination thereof. The user interface 115 can be integrated with the display 110. In such case where there is integration between the user interface 115 and display, the display 110 can include an interactive or touch-sensitive screen such as a resistive touchscreen, a surface acoustic wave touchscreen, a capacitive touchscreen, an infrared touchscreen, an optical imaging touchscreen, a dispersive signal technology touchscreen, an acoustic pulse recognition touchscreen, or the like. Additionally, in the case where the integrated user interface/display incudes a touch-sensitive screen, the user interface 115 can accept input using a stylus.

[0024] The display can include any of: a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma screen technology, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent display (ELD) panels, and the like. The display can include a screen, such as a LCD screen, for indicating numerical values for the blood pressure measurements, displaying values entered by a user, indicating the acceptable range for types of blood pressure measurement values and the like. The display can further include LEDs to indicate an alarm state, as described further below.

[0025] The monitor system 105 can enter an alarm state when one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure monitoring cuffs 140 and 150 are not within an acceptable range. An alarm state can be triggered when one or more blood pressure measurements are not within an acceptable range that is based upon a preset value. The preset value can be a value for mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, or diastolic pressure. The preset value can be a value for the difference between any of mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, or diastolic pressure measured by the first blood pressure measuring cuff 140 and the second cuff 150. The preset value can be a value that is entered by a health care provider or a user. The preset value can be one that is calculated by the monitor system 105 based upon information entered by the user via the user interface 115. The information can include information about the patient such as weight, height, age, pre-existing medical conditions or any combination thereof. The pre-exisiting medical conditions can include heart and circulation problems, arterial sclerosis, arrhythmia, preeclampsia, pulsus alternans, pulsus paradoxus, obesity, and the like. When the monitor system 105 is in an alarm state, the monitor system 105 can produce a warning on the display 110 or send a message to a health care professional or remote location where such an alarm can trigger a course of action to assist the patient.

[0026] The monitor system 105 can enter an alarm state when a difference between blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs is greater than a predetermined amount or threshold, such as the average variation in a population for such a blood pressure measurement. A predetermined amount or threshold can be, for example, 40mmHg in difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements from a single limb in a patient, lOmmHg in difference between the blood pressure measurements in a leg and an arm, 20 mmHg in difference between the systolic blood pressure measurement for the arms of a patient, or 10 mmHg in difference between the diastolic blood pressure measurements for the arms of a patient.

[0027] A transmission module can be a part of the monitor system 105. The transmission module can be used to transmit blood pressure measurements or blood pressure values for mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the transmission module can be used to send a message to a health care professional, a medical records repository, or a remote location as described above. The transmission module can be configured only to send information. Alternatively, the transmission module can be configured to send and receive information, including preset values used in determining an alarm state and updates for the operation of the electrical and/or mechanical components. The modes of sending and receiving information can include wired or wireless communication. The transmission module can include a transmitter and/or receiver that uses any of the following: IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) connection, IrDA (infrared data association), ZigBee® (communications based upon IEEE 802 standard for personal area networks), Z-wave, RFID, wireless USB, Bluetooth, firewire, RS-232 data cables, USB or the like. The monitor system 105 can be in communication with a central patient monitor via the transmission module.

USE OF MONITOR SYSTEM

[0028] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing use of the system described above as executed in an implementation. In the first step, the user attaches a blood pressure measuring cuff to each arm of a patient, step 205. The next step is to power on the system, step 210. In practice, the system can be powered on prior to attachment of the blood pressure cuffs. At this point the user indicates that the system can begin obtaining blood pressure measurements, shown in step 215. The user makes these indications on the user interface. The user can indicate at this time what types of blood pressure measurement values he or she desires to see on the display, to store in the memory, or to transmit via the transmission module. Alternatively, such indications regarding blood pressure measurement values can be made after obtaining the measurements.

[0029] As the system begins the process of obtaining blood pressure measurement values from each arm of a patient, the monitor system causes a first port on the three-port valve to close and begins inflation of a first blood pressure measuring cuff, as shown in step 220. The first port that is closed at this point is not connected to the first blood pressure measuring cuff. The hose connected to the first blood pressure measuring cuff is attached to the three-port valve at second port that is open. After inflation of the first blood pressure measuring cuff, the cuff obtains measurements as the cuff deflates, and then the cuff transmits the measurements to the monitor system, step 225. The measurement from the first cuff can be stored in memory, displayed, or transmitted to another device or location after the monitor system receives the measurement.

[0030] After the measurement from the first blood pressure monitoring cuff is sent to the monitor system, the monitor system opens the first port and closes a second port on the three-port valve and also causes the pump to begin inflation of the second blood pressure measuring cuff, step 230. The first port is connected to the hose that is connected to the second blood pressure measuring cuff. Following inflation of the second blood pressure measuring cuff, the cuff obtains measurements as the cuff deflates, and then the cuff transmits the measurements to the monitor system, as shown in step 235. After measurement from the second blood pressure measuring cuff is transmitted to the monitor system, the measurement can be stored in memory, displayed, or transmitted to another device or location.

[0031] The monitor system then displays the blood pressure measurement values desired by the user, and, if appropriate, enters an alarm condition, as in step 240. After accepting input from the user, the monitor system can store or transmit the displayed blood pressure measurement values. Blood pressure measurement values can be stored on the memory of the monitor system or they can be stored remotely after transmission via the transmission module.

[0032] When the monitor system enters an alarm condition, the display can indicate the condition and a message can be sent to a health care professional or remote location where such an alarm can trigger a course of action to assist the patient. Subsequently, the user can administer to the patient and then subject the patient to further blood pressure measurements.

[0033] Once the readings have been confirmed as received, the user can remove the blood pressure measuring cuffs from the arms of the patient. A user, such as a health care provider, can desire to take the blood pressure of a patient at regular intervals that are short in duration, that is to say for example every 20 minutes. As such, the user may not remove the blood pressure measuring cuffs from the patient if the comfort of the patient allows.

[0034] In implementations in which the system is configured to serially measure the blood pressure in three or four limbs of a patient using one pump, the switching valve will have four or five valves, as described above, and three or four hoses each attached to a blood pressure measuring cuff.

[0035] The implementations described hereinabove describe systems and methods that include hoses that convey pressurized gas to blood pressure measuring cuffs. Such hoses can be single lumen hoses, dual lumen hoses, or hoses with more than two lumina. Some implementations include single lumen hoses. Other implementations employ dual lumen hoses. Additionally, other implementations can include both single and dual lumen hoses.

[0036] The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0037] Aspects of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0038] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

[0039] Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows and steps for use described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments can be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A system comprising:

a pump;

an inflation line connected to the pump through which gas is moved by action of the pump;

two blood pressure monitoring cuffs, each configured to obtain a blood pressure measurement from a different limb of a patient;

a first and a second hose each operably connected to the inflation line, each hose terminating in a different blood pressure monitoring cuff;

a multi-port switching valve comprising a first port connected to the first hose, a second port connected to the second hose, and a third port connected to the inflation line; and

a monitor system operably connected to the pump, the multi-port switching valve, and the blood pressure monitoring cuffs, the monitor system comprising:

a user interface;

a display;

a memory to store one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs; and

a control system that converts input received through the user interface into commands to operate the pump and the multi-port switching valve, wherein the control system causes appropriate inflation and deflation of the cuff attached to the first hose then inflation and deflation of the cuff attached to the second hose in a serial manner.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the patient's limbs comprise arms.

3. The system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by blood pressure cuffs comprise oscillometric blood pressure measurements.

4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the multi-port switching valve allows for fluid communication between the inflation line and the first hose or between the inflation line and the second hose while prohibiting simultaneous communication between the inflation line and both the first and the second hoses.

5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the monitor system receives systolic, diastolic, and/or mean blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the monitor system enters an alarm state when one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs are not within an acceptable range.

7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the monitor system enters an alarm state when a difference between blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs is greater than a predetermined amount or threshold.

8. The system of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the monitor system stores one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs.

9. The system of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the monitor system displays one or more blood pressure measurements acquired by the blood pressure cuffs.

10. The system of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the monitor system further comprises a user input module.

1 1 . The system of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the monitor system further comprises a data transmission module.

12. A system comprising:

a single pump that provides a compressed gas;

a first and a second hose, each fluidly connected to the pump and each hose terminating in a different blood pressure measuring cuff; and

one or more valves configured to operate such that the pump provides compressed gas either to the first hose or the second hose, but not both the first and second hoses simultaneously.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising either a third or a third and fourth hose, each fluidly connected to the pump and terminating in a blood pressure measuring cuff that is configured to obtain a blood pressure measurement from a patient's limb.

14. The system of either claim 12 or 13, wherein the blood pressure measuring cuff attached to the first hose is attached to a first arm of a patient and the blood pressure measuring cuff attached to the second hose is attached to a second arm of a patient.

15. The system of any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a monitor system operably connected to the single pump, the one or more valves, and the blood pressure monitoring cuffs, the monitor system configured to cause appropriate inflation and deflation of the cuff attached to the first hose then inflation of the cuff attached to the second hose in a serial manner.

16. The system of any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the first hose, second hose, or both first and second hose comprise a single lumen hose.

17. The system of any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the first hose, second hose, or both first and second hose comprise a dual lumen hose.

18. A method comprising:

providing compressed gas from a pump to a first blood pressure measuring cuff through a first hose;

obtaining a first blood pressure measurement value from a first limb of a patient using the first blood pressure measuring cuff;

transmitting the first blood pressure measurement value from the first blood pressure measuring cuff to a monitor system;

ceasing to provide compressed gas from the pump to the first blood pressure measuring cuff;

providing compressed gas from the pump to a second blood pressure measuring cuff through a second hose;

obtaining a second blood pressure measurement value in a second limb of a patient using the second blood pressure measuring cuff; and

transmitting the second blood pressure measurement value from the second blood pressure measuring cuff to the monitor system.

1 9. The method of claim 18 wherein the first and second limbs of a patient comprise arms.

20. The method of claim either 18 or 19 further comprising reviewing the blood pressure measurements taken by the blood pressure monitoring system and taking action on the patient when the blood pressure measurements are outside of acceptable ranges

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the acceptable ranges comprise values for: a patient's mean arterial pressure, a patient's systolic pressure, a patient's diastolic pressure, or any combination thereof.

22. The method of either claim 20 or 21, wherein the acceptable ranges comprise values for the difference between blood pressure measurements of the first limb and second limb of a patient.

23. The method of any of claims 18 to 22, further comprising causing the blood pressure measurements taken by the blood pressure monitoring system to be stored in the memory of the monitor system.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising transmitting the stored blood pressure measurements to a health care provider, a medical records repository, a remote health care facility, or any combination thereof.

25. The method of any of the claims 18 to 24, wherein the first hose, second hose, or both first and second hose comprise a single lumen hose.

26. The method of any of the claims 18 to 24, wherein the first hose, second hose, or both first and second hose comprise a dual lumen hose.