Efficient manometric technic for accurate regional measurement of esophageal body motor activity.

We have developed a single station, manometric recording technic that allows quick and accurate measurement of motor activity occurring in all regions of the esophageal body. The manometric instrumentation features a catheter recording assembly with eight recording orifices spaced at uniform 3 cm. intervals. Each recording lumen is infused with water by a minimally compliant hydraulic-capillary system which achieves accurate recording of peristaltic and nonperistaltic motor activity in the esophageal body at an infusion rate of 0.5 ml./min. Because the recording sites of the manometric assembly span a distance of 21 cm., a distance which approximates the length of the esophageal body in humans, a detailed map of motor activity over the entire length of the esophageal body is achieved by securing the manometric assembly at one suitable portion. Because frequent repositioning of the manometric assembly is eliminated, the method described takes only a few minutes for comprehensive assessment of esophageal body motor activity.