Funding entity Universidad Pontificia Comillas
Accurate measurement of intra-abdominal pressure in critical patients is essential for proper clinical management. Currently, an analog liquid column device connected to the bladder catheter is used for this purpose. However, this technique has several limitations. To obtain reliable results, the device must be carefully positioned, with the measuring element placed perpendicularly to the abdomen and the “zero” level aligned with the pubic symphysis. Additionally, the patient must be in a supine position with the head of the bed at zero degrees, which can be difficult to achieve in certain clinical situations.
These variables make the measurement highly dependent on both the operator and the clinical condition of the patient. The operator must have a deep understanding of the technique and rigorously follow certain guidelines to obtain accurate results. Furthermore, the patient must be stable enough to tolerate the supine position with the head flat.
To overcome these limitations, the main objective of this project is to validate the use of an alternative, preferably digital, device for measuring intra-abdominal pressure. The aim is to find a device with specific characteristics, such as a small size, single-use design, and minimally invasive nature. Additionally, it is prioritized that the measurement be independent of both the operator and the patient’s position, which would significantly improve reliability and ease of use in critical clinical settings.
Layman's summary: The project aims to develop a digital device to measure intra-abdominal pressure in critical patients, overcoming the limitations of the current analog method. This new device will be small, single-use, and minimally invasive, allowing for precise measurements without depending on the operator or the patient’s position.
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