Description:
Abstract Background Antares is an algorithm for pulse wave analysis (PWA) by oscillometric blood pressure monitors in order to estimate central (aortic) blood pressure (cBP). Antares aims to enable brachial cuff-based blood pressure (BP) monitors to be type II-devices, determining absolute cBP values independently of potential peripheral BP inaccuracies. The present study is an invasive validation of the Antares algorithm. Methods We followed entirely the 2017 ARTERY protocol for validation of non-invasive cBP devices, the 2013 ANSI/AAMI/ ISO 81060-2 and 2018 AAMI/ESH/ISO validation standard protocols. In total, 191 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were included, of which 145 patients entered analysis. Invasive cBP recordings were prospectively compared to simultaneous non-invasive cBP estimations using Antares, integrated into an oscillometric BP monitor. Antares analyses pulse waves during deflation of the cuff (patent of Redwave Medical GmbH). Generally speaking, pulse waves of a normal oscillometric BP measurement are taken for PWA with no need for altering standard BP pump operation. Results Mean difference between invasive and non-invasively estimated systolic cBP was 0.71 mmHg with standard deviation of 5.95 mmHg, fulfilling the highest validation criteria. Bland-Altman plot reveals good limits of agreement. Conclusion Antares is the first algorithm for estimation of cBP that entirely fulfills the 2017 ARTERY and AAMI/ESH/ISO validation protocols including criteria for high accuracy devices. The Antares algorithm turns the oscillometric upper arm blood pressure monitor into a type II-device for estimation of true cBP. Integration of Antares into BP monitors could enable the measurement of PWA parameters in virtually every practice in future.