Development of a Vision-assisted Manometry Catheter for High-resolution Esophageal Manometry

ABSTRACT

High-resolution esophageal manometry is becoming a standard diagnostic method for esophageal motility disorders. High-resolution manometry catheters are inserted blindly, which sometimes results in coiling in the esophagus and failure to cross the crural diaphragm in patients with large hiatal hernias. The newly developed manometry catheter described in this report has an optical module in front of the catheter that provides forward images during insertion and prevents coiling and malplacement of the catheter. This case report describes the composition of a new manometry catheter with an optical module and shows that the new catheter functions well in both in vitro and in vivo settings. The new manometry catheter will help guide the right way and prevent coiling in the esophagus.