Apparatus and method for ambulatory reflux monitoring

Patent 5117827 Issued on June 2, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 26, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Sandhill Scientific, Inc.

Application

No. 603984 filed on 10/26/1990

US Classes:

600/350, Esophageal or gastrointestinal fluids600/361pH

Examiners

Primary: Hindenburg, Max

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Townsend and Townsend

International Class

A61B 005/05

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring gastric acid reflux in a patient are described. A system constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a combination probe including a flexible tube having a pH probe disposed distally and a pressure sensor disposed a known distance proximally, the pH probe for generating pH signals in response to a hydrogen ion concentration, and the pressure sensor for generating pressure signals in response to phasic pressure changes; a display for displaying the pressure signals to aid the positioning of the probe at the LES; and a memory for storing the pH signals. A method of the present invention comprises placing the combination pH/pressure probe in the patient's stomach then withdrawing the probe until the LES respiration phasic pressure is observed from the display. Next, the probe is withdraw a known distance. This positions the pH probe at a specified distance above the LES where reflux may be monitored.