Mini-Symposium
Innovations in oesophageal function testing

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pH-impedance testing

Multichannel intraluminal electrical impedance (MII) has been recently validated as a new technique for pH-independent detection of gastro-oesophageal reflux [4], [5]. The technical principle of this new tool is that impedance is inversely proportional to the electrical conductivity of the material passing through the oesophagus and therefore it allows us to know the physical characteristics of refluxate and to differentiate among air, liquid and mixed events. Moreover, this new device is able

Bravo pH capsule

One of the greatest limitations of traditional 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring is represented by the catheter bearing the pH electrode, which reduces patients’ compliance and interferes with daily activities. In order to prevent the above problems, a new wireless monitoring device was developed, the Bravo system [7], [8]. It uses a radiotelemetric capsule that is temporarily attached to the oesophageal mucosa and which transmits pH data to a receiver carried on a patient's belt. Kwiatek and

Manometry-impedance testing

For many years, the study of oesophageal motor disorders was based on traditional manometry, which evaluates intraluminal pressure changes of the oesophagus during swallowing. Simultaneous comparison of manometric studies with radiologic imaging highlighted the importance of peristaltic contractions for bolus transit [10].

In recent years, MII has allowed us to assess bolus transit without radiation [11]. Thus, the combination of MII with manometry allows us to obtain a simultaneous information

High-resolution manometry

This technique is the latest development in oesophageal pressure recording. It is based on systems with multiple closely spaced pressure sensors (usually at 1-cm interval), which permit to measure pressure at high spatial resolution [13]. It prevents the use of pull-trough manoeuvres and the necessity for a precise positioning of the manometric catheter with respect to the LOS. So, also a technician or a nurse with limited knowledge of oesophageal function can perform this examination. This new

Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

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Cited by (3)

  • Selected Interventions in Nuclear Medicine: Gastrointestinal Motor Functions

    2009, Seminars in Nuclear Medicine
    Citation Excerpt :

    High-resolution manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance are newer techniques that have been standardized and criteria implemented for the diagnosis of common esophageal motility disorders,10-13 but it is not clear whether they provide much more help in diagnosis.14 Combinations of these procedures (eg, pH-impedance or manometry-impedance) provide more information on esophageal reflux of acid and nonacid contents and on bolus transit.15 Esophageal transit scintigraphy initially was introduced as a way to qualitatively evaluate the swallowing function of the esophagus, transit through the various segments of the esophagus and esophageal patency.16

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