Movement of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter and a Manometric Device during Deglutition

Abstract

A cineradiographic examination of 9 healthy subjects showed asynchronous movement of a manometric device in relation to movement of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) during deglutition. A single sensor placed within the UES high pressure zone at rest registered pressures existing outside this zone during the major part of deglutition. The manometric device must therefore comprise at least three sensors placed at different levels and about 10 mm apart if consistent pressure recording within this zone is to be achieved. In order to evaluate the pressure profile within the sphincter adequately, cineradiographic determination of the orientation of the measuring device is necessary. This was made possible by insertion of two mutually perpendicular radiopaque indicators into the catheter.