Thought Technology Heart Rate/BVP Sensor

ProComp Infiniti Heart Rate/BVP (SA9308M)sensor & cable is 48 inches (122.5 cm) in length and is terminated in a small plastic enclosure which houses both the Photodetector and LED. Used with Thought Technology ProComp Plus, ProComp Infiniti, ProComp 2, Procomp5, or Flexcomp series systems.

BVP, Blood Volume Pulse sensor or photoplethysmograph, bounces infra-red light against a skin surface and measures the amount of reflected light. This amount will vary with the amount of blood present in the skin. At each heart beat (pulse), there is more blood in the skin - blood reflects red light and absorbs other colors - and more light is reflected. Between pulses, the amount of blood decreases and more red light is absorbed. The BVP signal is a relative measure so it does not have a standard unit. From the BVP signal, the software can usually calculate heart rate and inter-beat interval. The amplitude of the BVP deviation can also be a useful measure. Heart Rate Variability can also be calculated with the BVP.

Operating Principle:

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is the process of applying a light source and light sensor to an appendage, such as a finger or a tow, and measuring the light that is reflected by the skin. At each contraction of the heart, blood is forced through the peripheral vessels producing engorgement of the vessels under the light source, there by modifying the amount of light reflected to the photo sensor.

Since vasomotor activity is controlled by th sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), the Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) measurements can display changes in sympathetic arousal. An increase in BVP amplitude indicates decreased sympathetic arousal and greater blood flow to the peripheral vessels.

Sensor Placement::

Using the hook and loop fastener strap, fasten the sensor enclosure to the pad of a finger. Make sure the placement you are using is clear of any scar tissue, abrasions or anything that might impede a light source form penetrating through the tissue. Make sure both openings on the enclosure are covered by the placement. Any outside light allowed to get under the enclosure will cause artifact and readings that will be suspect.

1 Year Warranty

BVP (Blood Volume Pulse), also called photoplethysmography, bounces infra-red light against a skin surface and measures the amount of reflected light. This amount will vary with the amount of blood present in the skin. At each heart beat (pulse), there is more blood in the skin - blood reflects red light and absorbs other colors - and more light is reflected. Between pulses, the amount of blood decreases and more red light is absorbed. This measure is an indication of vasomotor activity and of sympathetic arousal.

The BVP signal is a relative measure. It does not have a standard unit. From the BVP signal, the ProComp Infiniti software can usually calculate heart rate and inter-beat interval. The amplitude of the BVP deviation can also be a useful measure.

The BVP sensor is held pressed against the palmar surface of a fingertip with an elastic strap (not tight so as to cut off blood blow) or a small length of adhesive tape. There should be a little movement as possible and the hand should be relaxed. The sensor is very movement sensitive. Although the sensor is not designed for such placement, some users will tape it to an ear lobe with double sided adhesive tape or to other parts of the body where an artery is sufficient for the infra-red light to detect pulsing blood.

The resulting BVP signal shows a typical strong rise with the systolic contraction, followed by a somewhat slower fall. On some people, the signal will also show a bump in the falling signal (dicrotic notch), which corresponds with the pulse of the diastolic contraction. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the signal will increase and decrease with changes in sympathetic arousal.

Warranty

1 Year manufacturer warranty.

Specifications

• Length (Approx): 0.72" x 1.33" x 0.41" ( 20mm x 34mm x 10mm )
• Weight> 0.66oz (20g)
• Input Range: Unit less quantity displayed as 0% - 100%
• Accuracy: =/- 5%

• Length (Approx): 48 Inches ( 122.5cm )