This document discusses the investigation of pulse reading in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) using a prototype wearable sensing device and ultrasound imaging techniques. It identifies challenges such as subjectivity in pulse diagnosis and lack of systematic records, while proposing solutions including a MEMS wearable pulse device and ultrasound pulse wave imaging for accurate diagnostics. The ultimate goal is to develop a digital TCM clinical database and leverage telemedicine for remote patient diagnosis.

1. Investigate pulse reading in traditional Chinese medicine using a wearable
sensing device prototype and an ultrasound pulse wave imaging technique
以 壓 力 傳 感 器 及 超 聲 波 影 像 研 究 中 醫 切 診 技 術
Introduction to TCM Pulse Diagnosis
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1 of the 4 fundamental diagnostic techniques in TCM
Allows immediate access of specific physiological information from
patients through sensing their pulses
A total of 28 different waveforms classified according to their shapes,
amplitudes and frequencies
Grand Challenge?
1.
2.
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Pulse diagnosis can be subjective and experience dependent
Theories behind pulse diagnosis are yet to be proven scientifically and quantitatively
Lack of systematic records and digital database for studying the method of pulse diagnosis
Solutions
(A) MEMS Wearable Pulse Taking Device
A Custom-made Pulse Taking Device for acquiring
pulses at “Cun”, “Guan”, and “Chi” simultaneously
• Device Schematic:
Features:
1. MEMS Technique for miniaturizing the device
2. Instant display of Pulse Waveform, Heart Rate
and Applied Pressure State
3. Wireless transmission of data to a computer for
storage
4. Low cost, Portable and Easy to use
(B) Ultrasound Pulse Wave Imaging
Employ Image guided methodologies for visualizing
arterial wall motions
• Data Acquisition:
Features:
1. Superior Spatial and Temporal Resolution
2. Tailor-made Probe Holder and PVA gel pad for
quantifying Applied Pressure State
3. Allow accurate locating of radial artery position
4. Enable precise tracking of arterial pulse
propagation

2. (B) Ultrasound Pulse Wave Imaging
1. Ultrafast Ultrasound Tissue Doppler Imaging
2. Pulse Waveform Acquisition
3. Applied Pressure State Quantification
(A) MEMS Wearable Pulse Taking Device
1. Prototype Fabrication
2. Pulse Waveform Acquisition
3. Heart Rate and Pressure State Quantification
Digital TCM Clinical Database
Collection of patients’ pulses for Training Purposes
and Automated Diagnosis via Machine Learning
Telemedicine
Convert data back into pulses using a flow pump
for doctors to conduct Long-distance Diagnosis
Methods and Results
At Low Pressure State (Fu) At Moderate Pressure State (Zhong) At High Pressure State (Chen)
LCD Display Applied Pressure State reflected by gel pad deformation
New Probe Holder Design with Additional Gel Compartment
Possible
Applications
Flow Pump Artery-mimicking Phantom
Luo, Jianwen, Ronny X. Li, and Elisa E. Konofagou. "Pulse wave imaging of the human carotid artery: an in vivo
feasibility study." IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control 59.1 (2012): 174-181.
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