Non-invasive Blood Pressure

ZOLL utilizes SunTech’s Advantage R-wave Motion Tolerance technology on the R Series® defibrillator models. Using the patient’s R wave, this technology focuses on the actual pulses and filters out the noise. This ensures better accuracy, especially when there is patient movement during transport.

What Is Blood Pressure?


When the heart beats, it contracts and pushes the blood through the arteries to the rest of the body, perfusing all organs. This force creates pressure on the arteries and is known as systolic blood pressure. When measured, a normal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 millimeters of mercury.

The bottom number of a blood pressure value is known as diastolic blood pressure. This indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests after contracting. A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80 millimeters of mercury.

R Series screen shotR Series NIBP Schematic

Measuring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is determined by analyzing oscillations of  BP cuff pressure that are caused by the arterial pulses. 

The BP cuff is inflated to block arterial blood flow, then the cuff starts to deflate. As it does, arterial pulses generate a pressure wave in the cuff. These waves are the source data for the oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure algorithm.

Because the cuff is the sensor, it is critical that the correct size is chosen by the clinician. In addition, the cuff needs to be wrapped around the arm appropriately.

Click to view tutorials on proper sizing of blood pressure cuffs as well as proper blood pressure cuff placement.

What Non-invasive Blood Pressure on the R Series Can Do for You

There are many reasons to use NIBP on the R Series defibrillators.

  • A single blood pressure measurement or multiple measurements can be taken. The R Series can conveniently be programmed to take repeated measurements over a period of time or abort by pressing a single button.
  • For patient comfort, the cuff inflation pressure can automatically be adjusted based upon the previously measured systolic value.
  • Both systolic and diastolic values as well as the mean blood pressure are displayed on the screen of the R Series. The last four hours of blood pressure measurements can also be displayed, which is important for monitoring a patient over a period of time.
  • Finally, the R Series with NIBP is flexible because alarms can be configured to alert a clinician when a blood pressure is above or below pre-set values.   


 Reusable, non-latex blood pressure cuffs are available in the following sizes to fit your needs. 

  • Child
  • Pediatric/small adult
  • Adult
  • Large adult
  • Thigh

 In addition to the reusable blood pressure cuffs, ZOLL also offers disposable cuffs for neonates. They are available in 5 sizes:  3-6 cm, 4-8 cm, 6-11 cm, 7-13 cm, and 8-15 cm.