Abstract: A method for analyzing and displaying functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) measurement data includes receiving FLIP measurement data. A heatmap or topograph of the measurement data is generated and displayed to thereby create an image of a diameter along the lumen. The image is segmented to display only diameters of the lumen within a range of diameter values specified by a user.

Abstract: Intraluminal impedance recordings are used to calculate luminal cross-sectional area, or in other words, distension of the esophagus/gastrointestinal tract, during peristalsis using various recording protocols and algorithms derived using the Ohm's law of electricity. Additionally, multiple visual displays of distension-contraction plots of esophageal peristalsis are provided that allows both the relaxation and contraction phase of peristalsis to be easily assessed. These distension-contraction plots can be used to diagnose disorders of the esophagus or other regions of the gastrointestinal tract that result in symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn, and chest pain, in the case of esophagus. Furthermore, the effects of pharmacological agents/drugs on the distension-contraction measurements can be studied using these protocols and algorithms to treat patients with esophageal symptoms.

Abstract: A dysfunctional sphincter muscle may be treated by shortening the muscle to plicate it and restore its functionality. Plicating the sphincter muscle as described effectively shortens the muscle and permits the muscle to perform its function of closing off the body passage or opening with which it is associated without conventional surgery to expose the sphincter muscle and shorten it. Thus, treatment for incontinence can be achieved by shortening the associated sphincter muscle without surgery that exposes the muscle itself and requires the surgeon to manually grab hold of the muscle and shorten it.

Abstract: A dysfunctional sphincter muscle may be treated by shortening the muscle to plicate it and restore its functionality. Plicating the sphincter muscle as described effectively shortens the muscle and permits the muscle to perform its function of closing off the body passage or opening with which it is associated without conventional surgery to expose the sphincter muscle and shorten it. Thus, treatment for incontinence can be achieved by shortening the associated sphincter muscle without surgery that exposes the muscle itself and requires the surgeon to manually grab hold of the muscle and shorten it.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a pelvic floor function diagnostic and therapeutic station, which includes a vaginal/ano-rectal plug and station. The important components of the station are a catheter holder with a pressure measuring (sleeve sensor or other alterative) to measure the constrictor function of the pelvic floor muscle, a vertical force transducer system to measure the elevator function of the pelvic floor muscle and a modular support table or a chair to hold the subject position. The diagnostic and therapeutic station thus allows for simultaneous measurement of the constrictor and elevator functions of the pelvic diaphragm. The station can also be used to treat impaired pelvic floor function via biofeedback therapy.

Abstract: An electronic pacemaker is used to counter-act crural diaphragm relaxation thereby preventing and/or treating gastroesophageal reflux. The pacemaker can be implantable, or be connected to the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm through the skin. A sensor is used to identify spontaneous intermittent relaxations of the diaphragm. During these spontaneous intermittent relaxations, one or more electrodes are used to stimulate the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm to cause contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Abstract: An esophageal perfusion catheter, having an outer housing, a plurality of flexible, tubular channel members within said outer housing, and at least two spaced balloon members encompassing said catheter. Two of the channel members are in fluid communication with each of two balloons. One of the balloons is about 150 millimeters from the distal end of said catheter and about 75 millimeters from the other balloon. A third of the tubular channel members is an esophageal perfusion aspirating channel and is in communication with a port at the distal end of the catheter. A fourth of the tubular channel members serves as a gastric aspirating channel. A fifth of the tubular channel members serves as an aspirating channel. The sixth channel member, serves as an air vent. The esophageal perfusion aspirating channel has a ID of about 3 millimeters. The gastric aspirating channel has a ID of about 2 millimeters. The two channel members which communicate with the balloons have a ID of about 1 millimeter.

Abstract: A manometric catheter which includes a sleeve device segment and attached to this sleeve device segment are two metal electrodes. This design of the manometric catheter has the capability of measuring simultaneous mechanical and electrical events in the human sphincters.