| Abstract: Aims: Accurate, repeatable measurements of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) are necessary to ensure proper management of patients at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH)(1). Assessing inter- and intra-observer variability is important when a new device is introduced for clinical use (2,3). This study evaluated inter- and intra-observer variability of the Abviser, a newly developed intra-abdominal pressure monitoring kit.
Methods: A laboratory model was designed to simulate IAP and eliminate uncontrollable patient variables. The model consisted of a 210-liter container (the “Abdomen”) with a urinary catheter exiting its base. The catheter tip was sealed within a 100 ml bag (the “bladder”). The study device (Abviser, Wolfe Tory Medical, Salt Lake City, UT) was connected to the proximal end of the catheter and interfaced with a transducer and monitor. A column of fluid was placed within the container to simulate IAP pressures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 mm Hg. One syringe (60 ml) of fluid was infused into the “bladder” 5 times each by 11 study participants and a measurement was recorded each time (table). The gold standard was the calculated pressure exerted by the water column (1.36 cm water exerts 1 mm Hg). Pressure differences of > ± 2 mm Hg were considered clinically important in measured versus actual pressure.
Results: 55 measurements were obtained for each pressure (11 participants, 5 measurement each). No clinically important differences occurred at any pressure measurement for the same individual or between individuals.
Discussion: No inter- or intra-observer variability exists when using the AbViser intra-abdominal pressure monitoring kit in an IAP/IAH model. |
