Can the saphenous vein serve as a manometer of intra-abdominal pressure?
Yes. If the saphenous vein has incompetent valves, it may also function as an intra-abdominal pressure
monitor. Hence, it is to the belly what the internal jugular is to the right atrium. This monitoring function
can be carried out by raising the leg at various angles, and then studying the level of the column of blood in
the saphenous vein both at baseline and after maneuvers that increase abdominal pressure (like coughing or straining).
Yes. If the saphenous vein has incompetent valves, it may also function as an intra-abdominal pressure
monitor. Hence, it is to the belly what the internal jugular is to the right atrium. This monitoring function
can be carried out by raising the leg at various angles, and then studying the level of the column of blood in
the saphenous vein both at baseline and after maneuvers that increase abdominal pressure (like coughing or straining).