Evaluation of miniature manometric techniques for the measurement of esophageal body pressure waves

Background and Aims: Perfused miniature manometric assemblies with lumina o f 0.4-0.5 mm i.d. have been developed. Reduced luminal size offers the adva ntages of reduced assembly bulk and increased assembly complexity with grea ter numbers of lumina and lower manometric infusion volumes because of a sl ower perfusion rate. This study investigated the recording fidelity of mini ature manometric assemblies in the measurement of esophageal peristalsis. Methods: Four miniature manometric assemblies, each containing manometric l umina of either 0.4 or 0.5 mm i.d., were evaluated at 100 and 180 cm length s. The fidelity of miniature manometric luminal recordings were evaluated i n vivo during esophageal peristalsis by using a simultaneous comparison wit h the standard lumina and an intraluminal strain gauge. Results: During esophageal peristalsis, miniature manometric lumina recorde d the peak amplitude of pressure waves, with an accuracy at perfusion rates of 0.04 mL/min (0.4 mm, i.d) and 0.15 mL/min (0.5 mm, i.d.). Conclusion: Miniature manometric assemblies of lengths that are practical f or use in humans are suitable for recording esophageal peristalsis. (C) 200 0 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.