A new electronic transducer system for gastrointestinal pressure studies.

A new electronic transducer system has been developed for intraluminal pressure studies in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast to other devices, inductance was used for the transformation of pressure into electrical signals. High sensitivity with a frequency response of 10(4) Hz guarantees accurate recording of sphincter as well as of peristaltic pressures. Pull-throughs can be carried out manually. Studies may be performed in the sitting as well as in the supine position since no hydraulic effects are present. No measurable temperature sensitivity was found; linearity is present in the physiological pressure range required. Small size, mechanical and electrical stability and simple handling make the PI-transducer system a suitable diagnostic tool for clinical as well as for investigatory purposes. By this method functional disorders of the esophagus, as in scleroderma, achalasia or hiatus hernia, of the pylorus and of the anal sphincter may be evaluated. The results of lower esophageal sphincter measurements in 30 asymptomatic volunteers and in 19 patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux agree with the data obtained by conventional methods.