Importance

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Abstract

A method and a device for the intermittent or continuous measurement of portal blood pressure using a tamponade balloon inserted into the esophagus and stomach and a sensor positioned on the bridle, tamponade shaft or esophageal balloon. The tamponade balloons mounted over a tube are placed across the diaphragmatic hiatus and are gradually inflated through a lumen that runs from the balloons to a position that is external from the patient. The measured pressure within the tamponade is increased until the blood flow in the collateral portal veins that traverse the diaphragm are occluded. The cessation of the blood flow into the esophageal varices is signaled when the sensor identifies a change in diameter of the varices, a change in the color of the esophageal wall, or a change in velocity of blood flow. The measured tamponade pressure at the nadir of variceal blood flow is equivalent to portal blood pressure.

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First Claim