Validation of a telemetry system for long-term measurement of blood pressure

We have used an implanted telemetry system to continuously monitor blood pressure (BP) in three dogs for durations ranging from 28 to 75 wk after implantation. Measurements of BP obtained by telemetry were compared every 3-12 wk, with measurements of BP recorded with a manometer-tipped catheter that was inserted into a femoral artery. Over a wide range of both physiological and pharmacologically manipulated pressures (40-200 mmHg), the values of BP obtained by the two methods were highly correlated (all r > 0.966; all P < or = 0.0001). However, the mean differences between the values obtained by the two systems were different from zero (range +29.6 to -1.5 mmHg; P < or = 0.0001), indicating an offset in the BP values recorded from the implanted system. Furthermore, this offset was dependent on the absolute level of the BP. The findings indicate that, for a period of at least 28 wk and up to 75 wk after implantation, the telemetry system accurately measures acute changes in BP and can reliably measure absolute BP provided that the system is properly validated.