Integrated esophageal pressure, pH and bolus transit sensor

Pressure, pH and bolus transit measurements are commonly used for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders. However, a catheter that integrates these three measurements in a single test is still lacking. In the present study, a probe that integrates novel techniques for monitoring all variables of interest for esophageal testing is proposed. Innovative catheter design offers proper selection of frequencies and electrode arrangement for enhanced impedance-based pH and bolus transit monitoring. In addition, a novel optical method for contraction detection is proposed. A model of the esophagus was used to test the multi-sensor probe. Repeatability of the obtained impedance measurements related to pH was tested. The obtained results satisfied the requirements of DeMeester and Johnson scoring system for pH measurements. Bolus transit and reflux periods were simulated in the test model and were successfully identified. Optical detection of intraluminal pressure and subsequent reconstruction of esophageal wall dynamics were also explored. Experimental results showed the feasibility of the suggested integrated sensor approach for esophageal testing. The proposed esophageal probe design overcomes many of the disadvantages of conventional techniques for esophageal testing, but clinical trials are required to confirm the validity of the laboratory tests.