DYNAMICS OF ESOPHAGEAL BOLUS TRANSPORT IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS STUDIED USING MULTIPLE INTRALUMINAL IMPEDANCOMETRY

The dynamics of a bolus transport through the esophagus are largely un explored. To study this physiological process, me applied multiple int raluminal impedancometry in 10 healthy subjects. Three different proto cols were used: 1) liquid bolus administered with subject supine, 2) l iquid bolus with subject upright, or 3) semisolid bolus with subject s upine. Transit of different parts of a bolus (bolus head, body, and ta il) was analyzed at different anatomic segments, namely the pharynx an d the proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the esophagus. A characte ristic pattern of bolus transport was seen in all subjects. Impedance changes related to air were observed preceding the bolus head. The bol us head propelled significantly faster than did the bolus body and tai l. Pharyngeal bolus transit was significantly faster than esophageal b olus transit. Within the esophagus, bolus propulsion velocity graduall y decreased. Bolus transport was significantly accelerated in the upri ght position and delayed with increase of bolus viscosity. In conclusi on, the dynamics of a bolus transport from the pharynx into the stomac h are complex. It varies within both different anatomic segments and d ifferent parts of the bolus and depends on bolus characteristics and t est conditions. The spatial and temporal resolution of a bulus transpo rt can be obtained by the impedance technique.