Müller's maneuver

Müller's maneuver

Etymology: Johannes P. Müller

an inspiratory effort against a closed airway or glottis. The effort decreases intrapulmonary and intrathoracic pressures and expands pulmonary gas. It is used during fluoroscopic examination to help visualize esophageal varices because it also causes engorgement of intrathoracic vascular structures.

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Müller's maneuver [mil´erz]

an effort at inhalation with a closed glottis after exhalation, used during fluoroscopic examination to cause a negative intrathoracic pressure with engorgement of intrathoracic vascular structures, which is helpful in recognizing esophageal varices, and in distinguishing vascular from nonvascular structures.