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Am J Perinatol 1984; 1(4): 355-359
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1000039
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1984 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Evaluation of a Gastric Tube with Esophageal Balloon for Neonatal Use

Michael Kaplan, Frank M. Galioto, Urs E. Ruttimann, Paul Hamosh, Gordon B. Avery
  • Department of Child Health and Development, George Washington University, and Divisions of Neonatology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital, National Medical Center, and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A gastric tube with esophageal bal loon was designed for neonatal use. The response of the balloon was evaluated. In vitro studies involved comparisons of pressure changes (ΔP) in a flask, as measured directly, or as transferred via the balloon. Values for ΔP ranged frm 5 cmH2O to 40 cmH2O, and frequencies from 10 to 1620 cycles per minute. The volume of air within the balloon was varied from 0.1 to 0.4 ml. At each combination of pressure, frequency and balloon volume, the balloon transmitted an accurate, if minimally lower ΔP, than that imposed. In a rabbit, intraesophageal ΔPs measured via tha balloon were compared with intrapleural ΔPs, measured via a chest tube. The frequency rates and ΔPs achieved were similar to those encountered in the clinical situation. The Δs measured via the balloon were frequently equal to or sometimes minimally lower than the actual pleural pressure changes. The prototype meets recommended dimensions for esophageal balloon use in the neonate and allows for accurate routine measurements for calculation of pulmonary function. The device is now available commercially.