A non-invasive method for gastrointestinal parameter monitoring.

Aim: To propose a new, non-invasive method for monitoring 24-h pressure, temperature and pH value in gastrointestinal tract.

Methods: The authors developed a miniature, multi-functional gastrointestinal monitoring system, which comprises a set of indigestible biotelemetry capsules and a data recorder. The capsule, after ingested by patients, could measure pressure, temperature and pH value in the gastrointestinal tract and transmit the data to the data recorder outside the body through a 434 MHz radio frequency data link. After the capsule passed out from the body, the data saved in the recorder were downloaded to a workstation via a special software for further analysis and comparison.

Results: Clinical experiments showed that the biotelemetry capsules could be swallowed by volunteers without any difficulties. The data recorder could receive the radio frequency signals transmitted by the biotelemetry in the body. The biotelemetry capsule could pass out from the body without difficulties. No discomfort was reported by any volunteer during the experiment. In vivo pressure and temperature data were acquired.

Conclusion: A non-invasive method for monitoring 24-h gastrointestinal parameters was proposed and tested by the authors. The feasibility and functionality of this method are verified by laboratory tests and clinical experiments.