Microprocessor-controlled colonic peristalsis: dynamic parametric modeling in dogs.

The study aimed at completing a model of functional colonic electric stimulation and testing it for artificial recreation of peristalsis in dogs. Dynamic measurements of invoked single contractions obtained from two unconscious dogs as well as previously reported static contraction properties were utilized to suggest the optimal stimulation parameters of: (1) length of the stimulating electrodes, (2) separation between the successive electrode sets, (3) duration, and (4) phase lag between the stimuli sequentially applied to the electrode sets. The derived electrode configuration and stimulation pattern were adjusted for different anatomical dimensions and tested in distended colon full of viscous content. Forward and backward propagating peristaltic waves were invoked in two other unconscious dogs, indicating that the recreation of colonic peristalsis under microprocessor control is feasible.