Oesophageal pressure monitoring is usually performed by placing a saline-filled thin-walled balloon catheter in the lower third of the oesphagus and connecting it to a pressure transducer and bridge or BP amplifier. The balloon catheter can enter the oesophagus by passing it through the naso-gastric tube. The pressure measured is often designated as Pes and can be used in gastric reflux, polysomnographic or lung mechanic studies of airway resistance. Pes is often substituted for plural pressure Ppl in Lung mechanic studies For human studies, a 5F,10 cm balloon catheters can be obtained from Akrad laboratories (www.coopermedical.com, Surgicare Victoria) For animal studies small neonatal tubes can be used or coronary artery balloon catheters which are smaller and may be more suitable. Generally a local medical supply company will have these sorts of items in stock.
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