ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate a sonic wave device including micro-oscillator and microphone for real-time monitoring the situation of the esophageal motility of lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Methods A micro-oscillator that can actively send sound waves was located at one side of LES, and a microphone located at the other side can be to capture the sound generated from the oscillator. This device was tested in vitro by utilizing a LES simulator in quiet and noisy environment, as well as in vivo in a pilot model corresponding to moments A-D. Results In the in vitro test, the sound can be captured by the microphone, and its power strength was correlated with closing and opening of LES. The measurements showed statistically significant Pearson correlation coefficients. In the in vivo test, the LES was open and closed by an endoscope, which was monitored in real-time by another endoscope inserted into the distal stomach from the duodenum. The sound power strength corresponding to moments A-D were (-89.63 ± 0.79) dB, (-84.74 ± 0.97) dB, (-82.37 ± 1.93) dB and (-89.86 ± 0.75) dB. Conclusion The LES dynamics can be monitored by the acoustic interrogation device, which has the potential to become an effective minimally-invasive technique for studying LES dysfunction.