A Novel Intra-Abdominal Pressure Measurement Device: Design and In Vitro Characterization

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement methods vary in mechanisms, risks, and associated costs. In this study, it was intended to design and test a novel IAP acquisition system based on a simulation of the Kron’s method, as well as to compare it with lectures from a column graduated in cmH \(_2\) O, taken as reference. A total of 46 samples of IAP were simulated and acquired, through a bladder simulation system, by placing different levels of pressure in a manual press on a sealed bag of water which, in turn, transmitted a pressure to our device to be compared with the graduated column. The data analysis included linear regression and Bland-Altman, in which, a Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.99, a bias of 0.16 cmH \(_2\) O and 95 \(\%\) limits of agreement between −0.444 and 0.758 cmH \(_2\) O were found. Also, the obtained results were compared with those of similar devices, denoting fairly close correlation coefficients, and a notable improvement in the bias obtained for our device. Even considering its limitations, the results seem promising and appear to suggest that the proposed device meets its main functionality and is strengthened by different available advantages compared to other devices currently in clinical use.