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Esophageal Motility Analyzers
Esophageal Motility Analyzers
Esophageal Motility Analyzers
Purpose
By manometrically measuring and recording the coordinated peristaltic action of
the esophagus, commonly known as the swallowing reflex, an esophageal motility
analyzer helps diagnose esophageal abnormalities such as achalasia, scleroderma,
hypertensive esophageal bodies, and dysphagia. The device generates a chart that
shows a timed sequence of peristaltic esophageal contractions in conjunction with
the patient’s swallowing and respiration. It also records pressures from the upper
and lower esophageal sphincters and from along the midpoint of the esophagus
and assesses the coordination of pharyngeal and esophageal contractions. In
addition, motility analyzers record pH in the lower esophagus and are useful in
investigating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes a
return flow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus and is a common cause of nonspecific chest pain.
Recording esophageal pH allows a precise measurement of the frequency and duration of reflux.
Esophageal motility studies provide information necessary for prescribing treatment, such as surgery, drug
therapy, and/or biofeedback therapy, for the above disorders.
Not designed exclusively for esophageal use, motility analyzers can also be used to take anorectal or duodenal
pressure measurements, and many manufacturers offer accessories for these purposes.
Principles of operation
An esophageal motility study requires the patient to swallow either a
multilumen water-perfused catheter with intermittent recording ports
UMDNS Information
(openings) or a catheter with built-in pressure transducers. The catheter
openings or transducers are then positioned in the upper esophageal This Product Comparison covers the
sphincter, at one or two midpoints in the body of the esophagus, and in following device terms and product codes as
listed in ECRI Institute’s Universal Medical
the lower esophageal sphincter. The distal tip of the catheter typically Device Nomenclature System™ (UMDNS™):
contains a pH probe. The catheter, which is ruled, is usually inserted to Analyzers, Physiologic, Peristaltic Motility,
Esophageal [11-600]
about 40 cm, the approximate distance from the mouth to the stomach Analyzers, Physiologic, Peristaltic Motility,
in an average-size adult. Once the catheter is positioned properly (using Gastrointestinal [15-036]
Analyzers, Physiologic, Peristaltic Motility,
either manometry or estimations based on the patient’s height), Colon/Rectum [18-780]
recording begins and continues as the catheter is either withdrawn at
5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA Tel +1 (610) 825-6000 Fax +1 (610) 834-1275 Web www.ecri.org E-mail hpcs@ecri.org
Esophageal Motility Analyzers
Reported problems
ECRI Institute has not received any problem reports pertaining to esophageal motility analyzers. However,
because esophageal motility testing requires inserting a catheter into the esophagus, the types of problems
associated with oral intubation can also occur in this procedure (e.g., irritation of the pharyngeal and esophageal
mucosal lining, rupture/piercing of the esophagus, infections from nonsterile equipment). Proper intubation
technique is essential throughout this procedure.
Because probes are inserted into the esophagus, readings may be affected by material (e.g., food, mucus)
sticking to the probe tip or by the probe tip becoming lodged against the esophageal wall. Probes can also be
damaged if the patient vomits during probe insertion or during the study.
Automatic calibration does not test the accuracy of the transducers on most motility analyzers; rather, it detects
disconnections in the transducer circuitry and adjusts the sensitivity of the amplifier to produce a given signal
level. To calibrate the transducer, readings should be taken of several known pressures and compared and
adjusted to the measurements taken by a certified mechanical gauge.
The effectiveness of ambulatory models may be limited by insufficient memory for recording data or by
restrictions in the placement of probes. Also, esophageal pH monitoring cannot attain 100% sensitivity due to its
inability to identify patients with alkaline reflux.
Purchase considerations
ECRI Institute recommendations
Included in the accompanying comparison chart are ECRI Institute’s recommendations for minimum
performance requirements for esophageal motility analyzers. The specifications have been divided into two
categories: modular, or software-only, systems and stand-alone systems. The requirements for each of these
categories are similar, with a few extra considerations for stand-alone systems.
In order to permit archiving and transfer of test results, systems should include adequate storage space on both
permanent drives and writable media and should allow networking with other computers and information
systems. Multiple pressure channels permit more complete analysis of the swallowing reflex without requiring
repositioning of the catheter. The ability to monitor other variables, such as pH, increases the flexibility of the
systems and better aids in the diagnosis of conditions such as GERD. In general, however, ambulatory devices
will require fewer monitoring channels than systems intended for hospital use.
Other considerations
A wide range of esophageal motility analyzers is available, and each design is unique in its level of
sophistication. Some manufacturers offer ambulatory units for 24-hour studies. Some units link directly to
computers to calculate and graphically display peak and average pressures, wave velocities, sphincter volumes,
and other information. Software programs that can perform these functions in real time are also available.
Environmental considerations
Some analyzers may offer energy-saving features, such as automatic shut off when not in use, and using
rechargeable batteries. Analyzers made from recyclable materials and those that are manufactured in green plants
are desirable.
End-of-life disposal needs to be considered as well. Facilities should look for manufacturers who offer take-
back or recycling programs.
Cost containment
Before purchasing an esophageal motility analyzer, buyers should consider the features and configuration (i.e.,
stationary or ambulatory) necessary for the types of procedures most frequently performed in the facility. The
number and types of probes and catheters, software analysis features, and peripheral equipment needed should
also be considered.
Suppliers do not typically discount esophageal motility equipment; however, the hospital may want to try to
negotiate for a 3% to 15% discount, particularly if multiple units will be purchased. Buyers should obtain service
pricing from suppliers before making a purchase decision and should require guarantees for a 24- to 48-hour
maximum delivery time for a loaner model when a repair is needed, a maximum repair time, and a clarification
of who will pay shipping costs for purchased equipment.
Stage of development
The applications of esophageal motility analysis have increased as a result of the introduction of ambulatory
models with miniaturized electronic transducers, large data storage capacities, and PC-interface capabilities.
Recent advancements in esophageal motility equipment include the development of high-resolution manometry
(HRM). A catheter with twelve microtransducers at one –centimeter intervals is inserted into the patient’s
esophagus. The microtransducers then collect gastroesophageal junction pressure measurements. Using these
measurements HRM software runs algorithms to plot a three-dimensional topography of the esophagus. HRM
calculates the dimensions of the lower esophageal sphincter—an area of the esophagus that plays a crucial role in
preventing reflux. Whether or not HRM has advantages over standard manometry is an on-going debate among
clinicians. Some believe it is faster and less painful for patients than standard esophageal motility analysis; so far
there has been no conclusive evidence to support this. HRM is more expensive and requires trained staff to
interpret the analytical software, but more detailed measurements and previously unmeasurable areas of the
esophagus can now be evaluated. How to classify normal motor function and disorders based on HRM
measurements is an ongoing discussion.
Bibliography
Ayazi S, Crookes PF. High-resolution esophageal manometry: using technical advances for clinical advantages. J
Gastrointest Surg 2009 Sep; 14 (1):24-32.
Barham CP, Gotley DC, Miller R, et al. Ambulatory measurement of oesophageal function: clinical use of a new
pH and motility recording system. Br J Surg 1992 Oct;79(10):1056-60.
Bozymski EM. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Hosp Pharm 1993 Apr;50(4
Suppl 1):S4-6.
Bredenoord AJ, Tutian R, Smout AJ, et al. Technology review: Esophageal impedance monitoring. Am J
Gastroenterol 2007 Jan;102(1):187-94.
Bremner RM, Constantini M, DeMeester TR, et al. Normal esophageal body function: a study using ambulatory
esophageal manometry. Am J Gastroenterol 1998 Feb;93(2):183-7.
Castell, D. Letter to the Editor: High resolution manometry: a word of caution. Am J Gastroenterol 2008
Oct;103(10):2657-8.
Clouse RE. Motor disorders. In: Sleisenger MH, Fordtran JS, eds. Gastrointestinal disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia: WB
Saunders; 1993:341-5.
Evans JM, Davies WL, Wise CC. Intrinsic lower esophageal activity may interfere with esophageal pressure
measurements [letter]. Anesthe 1984 Jun;60(6):615.
Fink SM, McCallum RW. The role of prolonged esophageal pH monitoring in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal
reflux. JAMA 1984 Sep 7;252(9):1160-4.
Grande L, Culell P, Ros E, et al. Comparison of stationary vs ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring systems in
diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig Dis Sci 1993 Feb;38(2):213-9.
Hampton FJ, MacFadyen UM, Mayberry JF. Variations in results of simultaneous ambulatory esophageal pH
monitoring. Dig Dis Sci 1992 Apr;37(4):506-12.
Hick DG, Weerasena NA, Casey JF, et al. A system for ambulatory monitoring and computerised analysis of
oesophageal motility and luminal pH. Int J Clin Monit Comput 1990;7(4):223-31.
Iftikhar SY, Ledingham S, Evans DF, et al. Alkaline gastro-oesophageal reflux: dual probe pH monitoring. Gut
1995 Oct;37(4):465-70.
Kwo PY, Cameron AJ, Phillips SF. Endoscopic esophageal manometry. Am J Gastroenterol 1995 Nov;90(11):1985-8.
McCallum RW. Diagnosing motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. South Med J 1984 Aug;77(8):947-
55.
Pandolfino JE, Fox MR, Bredenoord AJ, et al. High-resolution manometry in clinical practice: utilizing pressure
topography to classify oesophageal motility abnormalities Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009 Aug;21(8):796-806.
Rex DK, Hast JL, Lehman GA, et al. Comparison of radially sensitive and circumferentially sensitive
microtransducer esophageal manometry probes in normal subjects. Am J Gastroenterol 1988 Feb;83(2):151-4.
Rokkas T, Sladen GE. Ambulatory esophageal pH recording in gastroesophageal reflux: relevance to the
development of esophagitis. Am J Gastroenterol 1988 Jun;83(6):629-32.
Sinclair ME, Suter PM. Detection of overdosage of sedation in a patient with renal failure by the absence of lower
oesophageal motility. Intensive Care Med 1988;14(1):69-71.
Stein HJ. Clinical use of ambulatory 24-hour esophageal motility monitoring in patients with primary esophageal
motor disorders. Dysphagia 1993;8(2):105-11.
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Supplier information
ALBYN MEDICAL
Albyn Medical Ltd A Smart Medical Group Co [171323]
Bridgend Road Industrial Estate
Dingwall IV15 9QF
Scotland
Phone: 44 (1349) 862388 Fax: 44 (1349) 864146
Internet: http://www.albynmedical.com
E-mail: sales@albynmedical.com
MEDICAL MEASUREMENTS
Medical Measurements Inc [103829]
56 Linden St
Hackensack, NJ 07601-3554
Phone: (201) 489-9400, (800) 833-8031 Fax: (201) 489-5723
MMS
MMS Deutschland GmbH [283888]
Postfach 101027
Bottrop D-46210
Germany
Phone: 49 (2041) 558010 Fax: 49 (2041) 558011
Internet: http://www.mms-deutschland.de
E-mail: vertrieb@mmsinternational.com
NEOMEDIX SYSTEMS
Neomedix Systems Pty Ltd [184140]
7/5 Narabang Way
Belrose 2085
Australia
Phone: 61 (2) 94502400 Fax: 61 (2) 99872411
Internet: http://www.neomedix.com
E-mail: insight@neomedix.com
SANDHILL SCIENTIFIC
Sandhill Scientific Inc [104327]
9150 Commerce Center Circle Suite 500
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Phone: (303) 470-7020, (800) 468-4556 Fax: (303) 470-2975
Internet: http://www.sandhillsci.com
E-mail: sales@sandhillsci.com
Note: The data in the charts derive from suppliers’ specifications and have not been verified through
independent testing by ECRI Institute or any other agency. Because test methods vary, different products’
specifications are not always comparable. Moreover, products and specifications are subject to frequent changes.
ECRI Institute is not responsible for the quality or validity of the information presented or for any adverse
consequences of acting on such information.
When reading the charts, keep in mind that, unless otherwise noted, the list price does not reflect supplier
discounts. And although we try to indicate which features and characteristics are standard and which are not,
some may be optional, at additional cost.
For those models whose prices were supplied to us in currencies other than U.S. dollars, we have also listed the
conversion to U.S. dollars to facilitate comparison among models. However, keep in mind that exchange rates change
often.
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