A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, a sensor frameheld by the sensor fixation device, an optical sensing system 104 held by the sensorframe, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed againstan anatomical location of a subject, within which is an artery. The optical sensingsystem 104 includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device to supplyoptical energy to the optical waveguide, and an optical detector to detect anamount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The optical sensingsystem 104 senses an arterial pulse from the compression or flexing of at leasta portion of the optical waveguide, which results in a reduction of the amountof light exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit generates a measure ofthe vital sign based at least in part on a received signal from the optical detector.
