Sandhill Scientific, Inc.

Diversatek Healthcare, Inc.

Vanderbilt University

Thomas D Stuebe

Jerry E Mabary

Michael F Vaezi

Awad Al-Zaben

Timothy Paul Stewart

Venkatachalam Chandrasekar

Lisa Roos Stewart

Paul M Helmstetter

Charles S Clark

A mucosal impedance measuring apparatus detects and measures a condition of mucosa. The mucosal impedance measuring apparatus includes a catheter comprising a tube, impedance sensing electrodes on an exterior surface of the catheter, a balloon mounted on the tube in which the balloon is capable of inflation and deflation, and an impedance measuring system. The impedance measuring system is adapted to measure a pressure-regulated impedance measurement of the mucosa that is indicative of the condition of the mucosa when the balloon is inflated and the impedance sensing electrodes direct an electric current through mucosa while the balloon is pressed against the mucosa.

Mucosal impedance measuring apparatus for detecting and measuring the condition of mucosa

A method of detecting and measuring the condition of intraluminal esophageal mucosa. An esophagus is intubated with a catheter including an inflatable and deflatable balloon and one or more impedance sensing electrodes on an exterior surface of the catheter. The balloon is inflated to press the impedance sensing electrode(s) into a mucosa of the interior esophageal wall. An electric current is directed through the mucosa via the impedance sensing electrode(s) while the impedance sensing electrode(s) is/are pressed by the balloon against the mucosa and measure impedance of the mucosa.

Method of detecting and measuring the condition of intraluminal esophageal mucosa

A mucosal impedance measuring system that is capable of direct and accurate impedance measurements of esophageal mucosa includes example multi-channel intraluminal impedance catheters with inflatable and deflatable components for positioning the impedance sensor electrodes in direct contact with the esophageal mucosa on the inside surface of the esophagus. Impedance measurements from multiple locations in the esophagus are processed for indications of mucosal damage that are indicative of damage due to gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), and Barrett's esophagus.

Display system for displaying conditions of esophageal mucosa and indications of gastroesophageal reflux disease

A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.

Impedance analysis for esophageal maladies

A system for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.

System for displaying esophageal function

Esophageal waveform analysis for detection and quantification of reflux episodes

A system and method for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.

Esophageal function display and playback system and method for displaying esophageal function

A system and method for monitoring gastric acid reflux in a patient are described. A system constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a combination probe including a flexible tube having a pH probe disposed distally and a pressure sensor disposed a known distance proximally, the pH probe for generating pH signals in response to a hydrogen ion concentration, and the pressure sensor for generating pressure signals in response to phasic pressure changes; a display for displaying the pressure signals to aid the positioning of the probe at the LES; and a memory for storing the pH signals. A method of the present invention comprises placing the combination pH/pressure probe in the patient's stomach then withdrawing the probe until the LES respiration phasic pressure is observed from the display. Next, the probe is withdraw a known distance. This positions the pH probe at a specified distance above the LES where reflux may be monitored.

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Littleton, CO, United States of America

Thomas D Stuebe