Abstract: A method for characterization of a patient's esophagus may include receiving data measured by an impedance and high resolution manometry catheter in an esophagus in which the data may be representative of a pressure and/or an impedance associated with a swallowing event. The method may also include determining a cross-sectional area of the esophagus based on the received data and a pre-determined amount of a bolus consumed during the swallowing event. Systems and apparatus for characterizing a patient's esophagus may also include measuring data with a high resolution manometry catheter to determine the cross-sectional area, work, and compliance of the esophagus as a function of time during a swallowing event. Averaged data may establish a database of normal values for work done and compliance and allow for comparison of a patient to normal pathology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and system useful as a new diagnostic modality to differentiate the etiology of heartburn/chest pain by measuring esophageal blood flow. Furthermore, the device and system of the present invention can be used as a new diagnostic modality to differentiate the etiology of abdominal pain by measuring blood in the wall of gastrointestinal tract including rectum and colon blood flow.

Abstract: A method for characterization of a patient's esophagus may include receiving data measured by an impedance and high resolution manometry catheter in an esophagus in which the data may be representative of a pressure and/or an impedance associated with a swallowing event. The method may also include determining a cross-sectional area of the esophagus based on the received data and a pre-determined amount of a bolus consumed during the swallowing event. Systems and apparatus for characterizing a patient's esophagus may also include measuring data with a high resolution manometry catheter to determine the cross-sectional area, work, and compliance of the esophagus as a function of time during a swallowing event. Averaged data may establish a database of normal values for work done and compliance and allow for comparison of a patient to normal pathology.

Abstract: Analyzes surface electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals to identify and separate electrical activity corresponding to distinct but superimposed events in the heart. Assesses the spatial phase, temporal phase, rate, spectrum and reproducibility of each event to determine uniformity of activation in all spatial dimensions. Uses numerical indices derived from these analyses to diagnose arrhythmias. Uses these indices to determine the location of an arrhythmia circuit, and to direct the movement of an electrode catheter to this location for ablation or permanent catheter positioning. Subsequently, uses these indices to determine whether ablation has successfully eliminated the circuit. Uses variability in these indices from the surface electrocardiogram to indicate subtle beat-to-beat fluctuations which reflect the tendency towards atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: Analyzes surface electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals to identify and separate electrical activity corresponding to distinct but superimposed events in the heart. Assesses the spatial phase, temporal phase, rate, spectrum and reproducibility of each event to determine uniformity of activation in all spatial dimensions. Uses numerical indices derived from these analyses to diagnose arrhythmias. Uses these indices to determine the location of an arrhythmia circuit, and to direct the movement of an electrode catheter to this location for ablation or permanent catheter positioning. Subsequently, uses these indices to determine whether ablation has successfully eliminated the circuit. Uses variability in these indices from the surface electrocardiogram to indicate subtle beat-to-beat fluctuations which reflect the tendency towards atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: Analyzes surface electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals to identify and separate electrical activity corresponding to distinct but superimposed events in the heart. Assesses the spatial phase, temporal phase, rate, spectrum and reproducibility of each event to determine uniformity of activation in all spatial dimensions. Uses numerical indices derived from these analyses to diagnose arrhythmias. Uses these indices to determine the location of an arrhythmia circuit, and to direct the movement of an electrode catheter to this location for ablation or permanent catheter positioning. Subsequently, uses these indices to determine whether ablation has successfully eliminated the circuit. Uses variability in these indices from the surface electrocardiogram to indicate subtle beat-to-beat fluctuations which reflect the tendency towards atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.