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Esophageal catheter placement

Article

Author: Hamilton Medical

Date of first publication: 09.09.2020

Last change: 28.07.2023

Transpulmonary pressure measurement changed to monitoring

Correct placement of the esophageal catheter and balloon is critical for ensuring accurate transpulmonary pressure monitoring (TPM).

Esophageal catheter placement

Step-by-step catheter insertion

The two videos available below show you step-by-step how to insert a NutriVent or CooperSurgical esophageal balloon catheter, and ensure it is positioned correctly by means of an occlusion test. The insertion procedure is the same for different makes of catheters, but filling volumes for the balloons may differ. Please ensure you refer to the respective manufacturer's instructions for use.

Applications for esophageal pressure measurement

Esophageal pressure may be used to:

  • Partition between lung and chest wall elasticity
  • Assess lung recruitability
  • Guide recruitment maneuvers
  • Set positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
  • Assess lung stress
  • Recognize reverse triggering
  • Assess patient-ventilator synchrony
  • Measure intrinsic PEEP
  • Measure work of breathing

Esophageal balloon catheter (Nutrivent) - Insertion and correct placement

Correct placement of the esophageal balloon or catheter is critical for accurate transpulmonary pressure measurement. In this video, we show the insertion and accurate placement of the NutriVent esophageal balloon catheter on a real ICU patient.

Esophageal catheter (Cooper Surgical) - Insertion and correct placement

Correct placement of the esophageal balloon or catheter is critical for accurate transpulmonary pressure measurement. In this video, we show the insertion and accurate placement of a Cooper Surgical esophageal balloon catheter on a real ICU patient.
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13 Expert Tips. Esophageal pressure measurement

Clinically proven recommendations about what to do and what to avoid when using esophageal pressure in ARDS patients.