Keywords
pulse-oximetry; plethysmography; ICP; hyperventilation; waveform analysis
Abstract
Intracranial pressure is a critical metric used when managing tumors, strokes, TBIs, hydrocephalus, and other operative conditions. Traditional methods for continuous ICP monitoring, intraparenchymal catheters, epidural transducers etc., are invasive and carry a high risk of infection. Previous attempts to create accurate, easy to use, and non-invasive ICP monitoring techniques have been unsuccessful. In this study, we investigated the utility of supraorbital and posterior auricular photoplethysmography to monitor changes in ICP during orthostatic tilt and hyperventilation, which increase and decrease ICP respectively.
Through a continuous 5-minute recording on a tilt-table we characterized SOA and PAA waveforms in 12 participants (ages 19-21). Participants underwent four conditions: +45° head-up tilt (HUT), -45° head-down tilt (HDT), -45° post hyperventilation, and +45° HUT post HDT. Capnography ensured proper hyperventilation occurred and n ECG provided context for the plethysmographic waveforms.
Results demonstrated that SOA measurements showed greater sensitivity to HDT changes in systolic amplitude, diastolic amplitude, and slope ratio. SA and PTT did not respond to hyperventilation, and dicrotic notch and systolic time exhibited minimal changes across conditions and locations. Increased DA and F wave presence during HDT suggest venous congestion may play a significant role in HDT ICP elevation. Disappearance of these features during hyperventilation indicates improved venous outflow. These findings support the SOA as an effective site for non-invasive monitoring of ICP-related physiological changes.
Thesis Completion Year
2026
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Mansy, Hansen
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Thesis Discipline
Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Nesterenko, Andrei V., "Non-Invasive Detection of Intracranial Pressure" (2026). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 639.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/639
Non-Invasive Detection of Intracranial Pressure Changes
Included in
Biomechanics Commons, Cardiovascular System Commons, Diagnosis Commons, Investigative Techniques Commons, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons
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