Importance

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Abstract

Access pressure for the vascular system is measured through a first tube, which is connected to the vascular system of a patient. The method comprises the following steps: connecting one end of pressure tubing to an outer end of the first tube with a member blocking the flow of blood through at least part of the pressure tubing, while permitting the passage of air therethrough, to attenuate pressure pulses through the tubing. One connects the other end of the tubing to a pressure gauge. Thus, pressure sensed from the vascular system is read by the gauge. Preferably, the internal volume of the pressure tubing is less than the internal volume of the first tube. Thus, pressurized blood entering the first tube as the pressure is read does not advance completely through the first tube. This can permit reuse of the pressure tubing, and also permits the pressure tubing to be of a substantial length so that the gauge may be manually held at approximately the patient's heart level as the vascular system pressure is being read.

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First Claim