Abstract: A probe for detecting reflux in the oesophagus by detecting the level of turbidity at different points in the oesophagus. The probe consists of multiple pairs (32) of optical fibres with each pair being made up of a source optical fibre (2) and a detection optical fibre (3), a light source being attached to the source optical fibres and a light detector being attached to the detection optical fibres.

Abstract: A device sensor (9) comprising a piezoelectric bar or rod monitors respiratory movements by picking up changes in the abdomen's curvature in the cephalocaudal direction.

Abstract: A respiration monitor for measuring the respiration of a subject on a mechanical ventilator comprises first transducer means arranged to produce a first signal representative of a respiration status of the subject, second transducer means arranged to produce a second signal representative of a cyclical status of the mechanical ventilator, and processor means arranged to receive said first and second signals and to produce an output signal dependent upon the relative phase of said first and second signals. The invention extends to a method of monitoring, and also to a method of determining the rate at which a mechanical ventilator should be set in order to achieve 1:1 entrainment with spontaneous respiratory efforts.