Sphygmomanometer Mercury

A mercury sphygmomanometer, also known as a Riva-Rocci apparatus, is a device that is used to measure blood pressure. This device was invented in 1896 and got its name from the French doctor Endre Riva and the Italian doctor Samuel Rocci.

A mercury sphygmomanometer consists of a cuff placed on the patient's arm, a mercury manometer and a reservoir for mercury liquid. To measure blood pressure, a cuff is placed on the patient's upper arm and inflated until no blood flows through the artery. The pressure gauge then shows the pressure required to stop blood flow in the artery.

The mercury sphygmomanometer is one of the most accurate ways to measure blood pressure and continues to be widely used in medical settings around the world. However, this type of device has some disadvantages. Firstly, it contains mercury, which can be hazardous to health if the device is damaged. Secondly, it is quite bulky and inconvenient to use at home.

There are now more modern and safer methods of measuring blood pressure, such as electronic sphygmomanometers. They do not contain mercury and can be used at home without the help of a doctor.

In conclusion, the mercury sphygmomanometer, or Riva-Rocci apparatus, is a classic device for measuring blood pressure. It is one of the most accurate and reliable measurement methods, but has some disadvantages that can be eliminated by more modern methods.

Mercury sphygmomanometer: operating principle and application

A mercury sphygmomanometer, also known as a Riva-Rocci apparatus, is one of the most common types of sphygmomanometers that are used to measure blood pressure. A mercury sphygmomanometer consists of a reservoir of mercury, a cuff that wraps around the upper arm, and a pressure gauge that measures the pressure in the cuff.

The principle of operation of a mercury sphygmomanometer is based on the fact that during systole (the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and discharges blood into the arteries), the pressure in the arteries increases, and the cuff compresses the artery, which leads to a stop in blood flow. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released until blood flow resumes. In this case, the pressure at which blood flow is restored is read. This value is the systolic pressure.

Next, the pressure in the cuff continues to decrease until blood flow becomes constant. The pressure at which blood flow becomes uniform is then read. This value is the diastolic pressure.

Mercury sphygmomanometers usually have a scale that displays systolic and diastolic pressure values. Some mercury sphygmomanometers also have the ability to record and store pressure values.

Mercury sphygmomanometers are widely used in medical institutions and for home use. They are considered one of the most accurate and reliable tools for measuring blood pressure. However, due to the use of mercury in mercury sphygmomanometers, they may pose a health hazard if used or disposed of improperly. Therefore, in some countries, mercury sphygmomanometers are being replaced with analog devices that do not use mercury.

In conclusion, a mercury sphygmomanometer is an important blood pressure measurement tool that is widely used in medical institutions and home use. However, it is necessary to be aware of the potential hazards associated with the use of mercury in mercury sphygmomanometers and to take appropriate precautions during use and disposal.