Four-channel sleeve catheter for prolonged measurement of lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

A sleeve catheter capable of monitoring the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in four quadrants at right angels has been developed. The present study used this four-quadrant sleeve catheter to assess radial asymmetry in LES in the supine, prone, and upright positions. The results in 37 normal subjects were compared with those of a conventional side-hole catheter and a Dent sleeve catheter. In vitro studies showed that the response rate of each radially oriented sleeve is comparable to the Dent sleeve. Mean pressures were not significantly different between the three different types of catheter. The four-quadrant sleeve catheter consistently detected a higher LES pressure in the left posterior position, regardless of body position. The four quadrant sleeve catheter can be used to record LES pressure from four different quadrants of the LES for prolonged periods.