Microprocessor-controlled movement of solid gastric content using sequential neural electrical stimulation

Background & Aims: Gastric electrical stimulation has been attempted for ye ars without much success. The aim of this study was to determine if movemen t of solid gastric content could be achieved using microprocessor-controlle d sequential electrical stimulation. Methods: The study was performed on 9 anesthetized dogs. The dogs underwent laparotomy, pyloroplasty, and implant ation of 4-6 sets of bipolar stainless-steel wire electrodes. Each set cons isted of 2-6 electrodes (10 x 0.25 mm, 3 cm apart) implanted circumferentia lly. The stomach was filled with solid food mixed with plastic pellets, and the process of gastric emptying was monitored. Artificial contractions wer e produced using microprocessor-controlled phase-locked bipolar trains of 5 0-Hz rectangular voltage with flexible amplitudes. Results: Using the above stimulating parameters, we were able to produce circumferential gastric co ntractions that were artificially propagated distally by embedding and phas e-locking the stimulating voltage. The number of expelled pellets after the stimulation sessions was significantly higher than the number of pellets e mptied during the nonstimulation sessions (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Micropro cessor-controlled electrical stimulation produced artificial peristalsis an d markedly accelerated the movement of solid gastric content.