Can electrical impedance tomography be used to detect gastro-oesophageal reflux?

Abstract

A number of experiments have been carried out to investigate the feasibility of using electrical impedance tomography as an alternative method for identifying gastro-oesophageal reflux. Five subjects have been studied using simultaneous EIT and intraoesophageal pH measurements. A refluxogenic meal was given during the course of the recording to induce reflux in the subjects. Results show that there is some change in conductivity in the stomach region during some of the reflux episodes, but EIT is not able to detect all of the pH changes associated with the reflux. Other large conductivity changes, relating to gastric motility can be detected at times when no reflux is occurring.