| Monitoring bolus transit in the esophagus has been pivotal for the diagnosis of achalasia, diffues spasm, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Despite recent advances in X-Ray imaging and the introduction of multichannel intraluminal impedancometry, these studies remain moderately invasive. Barium radiography subjects the patient to X-Ray radiation, while the new technique of impedance monitoring employs catheters introduced either transnasally or transorally. Rapid developments in microelectronics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and wireless radio-frequency (RF) devices created the possibility of suggesting a conceptually different and completely non-invasive technique for esophageal bolus transit testing. The proposed system, comprising of (1) microelectronic capsule; (2) data-logging system; and (3) off-line signal processing, shows the feasibility of applying inertial navigation and wireless technologies for non-invasive esophageal bolus transit monitoring. The capabilities and the limitations of this system are discussed in the context of the radically different type of measurements that such device could offer. |
