Abstract: An ambulatory system for recording and analyzing gastroesophageal reflux is presented. The system includes a digital recorder, an analysis software package and a catheter for measurement of changes in esophageal impedance. For the first time, gastroesophageal reflux can be detected with a pH above 4 (called alkaline reflux), which is the normal pH environment of the healthy esophagus. In addition, one embodiment of the invention allows for the determination of the direction of flow of the detected material in the esophagus, thus enabling the system to distinguish between swallowed saliva and alkaline gastroesophageal reflux. In yet a further embodiment, the present invention allows for recording and analysis of reflux on a non-invasive basis, by using pairs of externally worn impedance sensors. In another embodiment, the invention measures impedance simultaneously with other bio-parameters, such as pH or pressure.

Abstract: A method for a preferably ambulatory measuring and registration of at least one parameter in relation to the bilirubin presence in a measuring region in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient to determine the bilirubin presence in the region. The method is characterized in that the bilirubin presence determination is made in relation to the pH-value of the fluids in the region. The invention relates also to a system for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of determining the existence and location of an obstruction in a respiratory track includes introducing a first catheter having a first sensing site into the body of a patient until the first sensing site is positioned so that it is distal to the obstruction. The first catheter is used to monitor respiratory effort with generated signals indicative of respiratory effort. A second catheter having a second sensing site is positioned so that the second sensing site is near the nostrils. The second catheter is used to monitor actual respiration with generated signals indicative of actual respiration. The existence of the obstruction is verified by observing respiratory effort signals without corresponding actual respiration signals.

Abstract: A system and a method for evaluation of gastrointestinal function is presented. The system consists of a catheter, a recorder and software. The catheter includes one or more CdTe sensors for measuring isotope activity. The catheter CdTe sensors are placed in the gastrointestinal tract to measure gastric emptying or gastrointestinal output after administration of radiolabeled liquid or solid meals. Data is stored in the recorder or displayed online on a computer screen. Other parameters such as pH can be added for a more complete evaluation of gastrointestinal function. The computer software is written for the Windows environment. The software includes provisions for general ambulatory and stationary data acquisition. The software also includes realtime analysis combined with an extensive patient journal where all items are described as objects in understandable userfriendly language connected to a database.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter is designed to be used both as an exploring catheter for measuring potential difference across the gastrointestinal wall and for simultaneous measurement of pressure at the same site. The catheter includes a perfusion lumen into which an Ag/AgCl wire is inserted as an electrode thus avoiding the need of half cells and bridges. By perfusing saline around the wire, the environment is kept constant around the wire, a prerequisite for the electrode. The flow rate of the distal end of the lumen is altered by making the diameter of the outlet different to the diameter of the lumen. The perfused solution is also used to measure pressure.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring intragastrointestinal concentrations of ammonium, and urease, during short or prolonged periods is presented, as an indicator of the presence and activity of an intragastrointestinal Helicobacter Pylori ("HP") infection, and of other bacterial infections that are similarly located. Ambulatory monitoring is possible. This system and method may be used in the evaluation of treatments for HP and other bacterial infection in the patient. A method is also presented to increase the diagnostic accuracy of the system and method by ingesting urea immediately before or during the monitoring.

Abstract: An ambulatory system for recording and analyzing gastroesophageal reflux is presented. The system comprises a digital recorder, an analysis software package and a catheter for measurement of changes in esophageal impedance. For the first time, gastroesophageal reflux can be detected with a pH above 4 (called alkaline reflux), which is the normal pH environment of the healthy esophagus. In addition, one embodiment of the invention allows for the determination of the direction of flow of the detected material in the esophagus, thus enabling the system to distinguish between swallowed saliva and alkaline gastroesophageal reflux. In yet a further embodiment, the present invention allows for recording and analysis of reflux on a non-invasive basis, by using pairs of externally worn impedance sensors. In another embodiment, the invention measures impedance simultaneously with other bio-parameters, such as pH or pressure.

Abstract: A catheter for the ambulatory monitoring and recording of respiration, respiratory effort, and pH, to facilitate the study of sleep apnea and related diseases, comprising a tubular body, with one or more lumens, each lumen used for measuring one factor, the possible factors including respiration, respiratory effort, and pH. The tubular body is shown with lumens for monitoring respiration and respiratory effort, each lumen having an opening in the side of the catheter at the site of monitoring. The air in each lumen pneumatically communicates from said opening through the lumen to the proximal end of the catheter. Each air lumen ends in a lead with a connector to which an external pressure sensor can be connected so that said pressure sensor thereby pneumatically communicates with said openings on the catheter. A pH sensor in the catheter has a head portion included in the tubular body and an electrical conductor connected to and extending from the head portion to the proximal end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring intragastrointestinal concentrations of ammonium during prolonged periods is presented, as an indicator of the presence and activity of an intragastrointestinal Helicobacter Pylori ("HP") infection. Ambulatory monitoring is possible. This system and method may be used in the evaluation of treatments for HP infection in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and a system for ambulatory recording of the pH and the presence of various materials in compartments of the gastro-intestinal tract. The invention also reports the pH pattern in relation to the prevalence of the materials, and analyses to which degree such materials are in active or inactive states in their normal or foreign compartments. This is useful in situations, for example, when duodenal material is refluxed into the stomach and esophagus. The invention involves a gastro-intestinal catheter with a pH sensor and a combined light absorption and fluorescence sensor, a signal recorder and processor, and a written report producer.