Abstract: A method and system for determining the residual volume within a patient having a naso-enteral feeding tube. A collection container is coupled to the naso-enteral feeding tube and a physical force is applied to the collection container to prevent stomach fluid from flowing into the collection container. The physical force is removed from the collection container and the stomach fluid is allowed to flow into the collection container. The volume of fluid within the collection container is determined, which represents the gastric residual volume of the patient. At least a portion of the collected volume of stomach fluid is returned to the patient from the collection container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) within a patient having a naso-enteric tube. The system senses the IAP of the patient by means of a sensing conduit that is filled with a sensing fluid. The sensing fluid in the sensing conduit may be saline, water or feeding solution. After the sensing conduit is filled with the sensing fluid, the sensing conduit is elevated and a portion of the sensing fluid enters the patient. The remaining portion of the sensing fluid is related to the IAP and the IAP may be determined from the height of the sensing fluid within the sensing conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) within a patient having a naso-enteric tube. The system senses the IAP of the patient by means of a sensing conduit that is filled with a sensing fluid. The sensing fluid in the sensing conduit may be saline, water or feeding solution. After the sensing conduit is filled with the sensing fluid, the sensing conduit is elevated and a portion of the sensing fluid enters the patient. The remaining portion of the sensing fluid is related to the IAP and the IAP may be determined from the height of the sensing fluid within the sensing conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) within a patient having a naso-enteric tube. The system senses the IAP of the patient by means of a fluid filled sensing conduit that transmits the pressure in the naso-enteric tube to a pressure measuring device such as a pressure transducer or a manometer tube. The sensing fluid in the sensing conduit may be saline, air, or feeding solution. When a pressure transducer is used, the IAP is determined and displayed on a patient monitor. Alternatively, the IAP may be determined from the height of the sensing fluid within the sensing conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intra-abdominal pressure within a patient. A reservoir is positioned between a drainage catheter (e.g. a urinary catheter or naso-gastric tube) and a collection container for the fluid being drained from the patient's body. The reservoir defines a constant volume and receives the withdrawn fluid through a manometer tube having a series of markings. The reservoir includes an air vent that ensures that the volume of fluid in the reservoir is held at atmospheric pressure when the reservoir is raised above the patient. When the reservoir is raised to a predetermined measurement height above the patient, the volume of fluid in the reservoir is returned to the patient. The height of the liquid column within the manometer tube provides a direct indication of the intra-abdominal pressure of the patient.