Crural diaphragm inhibition during esophageal distension correlates with contraction of the esophageal longitudinal muscle in cats.

Esophageal distension causes simultaneous relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm. The mechanism of crural diaphragm relaxation during esophageal distension is not well understood. We studied the motion of crural and costal diaphragm along with the motion of the distal esophagus during esophageal distension-induced relaxation of the LES and crural diaphragm.

Effect of atropine on the biomechanical properties of the oesophageal wall in humans.

Recently, we reported a novel ultrasound technique to assess biomechanical properties of the oesophagus in human subjects. In the present study, we use the technique, in combination with atropine, to determine the active and passive biomechanical properties of the oesophagus in normal healthy humans. A manometric catheter equipped with a high-compliance bag and a high-frequency intraluminal ultrasonography probe was used to record pressure and oesophageal geometry.

A novel ultrasound technique to study the biomechanics of the human esophagus in vivo.

The objectives of this study were to validate a novel ultrasound technique and to use it to study the circumferential stress-strain properties of the human esophagus in vivo. A manometric catheter equipped with a high-compliance bag and a high-frequency intraluminal ultrasonography probe was used to record esophageal pressure and images. Validation studies were performed in vitro followed by in vivo studies in healthy human subjects.

Gastric phase 3 motility after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

Objective: To analyze factors affecting the recovery course of phase 3 activity of the gastric migrating motor complex after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) and investigate effects of the recovery of gastric phase 3 on gastric emptying after feeding.

Summary Background Data: Whether early recovery of gastric phase 3 during fasting would predict early recovery of the fed-state gastric emptying function after PPPD has not been well documented.

Methods: Manometric recording from the gastric antrum was repeated at a weekly interval until the first appearance of gastric phase 3 in 57 patients after PPPD.