Evaluation of a Gastric Tube with Esophageal Balloon for Neonatal Use

Michael Kaplan; Frank M. Galioto; Urs E. Ruttimann; Paul Hamosh; Gordon B. Avery

doi:10.1055/s-2007-1000039

American Journal of Perinatology, Inhaltsverzeichnis

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

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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.

Abstract

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 ΔP_s measured via tha balloon were compared with intrapleural ΔP_s, measured via a chest tube. The frequency rates and ΔP_s 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.

Volltext