Esophageal pressure, bile content and pH are important parameters in gastroesophageal diseases. An all-optical technology is described capable to perform simultaneously oesophageal manometry, pH-metry and bilimetry. The three different sensors were integrated in a single optical fibre catheter for the simultaneous measurement of the three parameters. The optoelectronic prototype for the interrogation of the catheter is constituted by two separate optoelectronic modules for the interrogation of the pressure sensor and for the bile and pH sensors, respectively. The prototype and the optical catheter are compliant with European Directives on medical devices in terms of electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety and biocompatibility.
Esophageal pressure, bile content and pH are important parameters in gastroesophageal diseases. An all-optical technology is described to perform simultaneously oesophageal manometry, pH-metry and bilimetry. The pressure measurement along the oesophagus is performed with 11 fibre optic gratings (FBGs) within a single mode fibre, which ensures monitoring every 2.5 cm along the oesophagus. The bile measurement is based on the direct absorption of bilirubin, the main biliary pigment, using a bundle of plastic optical fibres (POFs) carrying the signal. Regarding the detection of pH, an acid-base indicator that modifies its absorption as a function of pH is immobilized on glass particles with controlled porosity immobilized at the end of two POFs. The sensors are integrated in the same catheter for the simultaneous measurement of the three parameters. The prototype for the catheter interrogation was designed and developed, constituted by the integration of two optoelectronic modules for the interrogation of the pressure sensor and for the bile and pH sensors, respectively.
The target of the present research is the design, implementation and characterization of a portable device based on an all-optical technology capable to perform simultaneously esophageal manometry, pH-metry and bilimetry by means of a single or combined catheter (OPTIMO project). It will provide physicians a compact and reliable tool to perform exhaustive diagnosis in gastroesophageal reflux pathologies. It would be definitely an innovative product in the gastroesophageal diagnostic scenario with high potential for worldwide market penetration and application developments. In particular, pressure measurement along the esophagus is performed with an array of optical fiber gratings, which ensures the monitoring along a length of about 30 cm with high spatial resolution. The sensors for the measurement of pH and bile are based on the change in absorption caused by the parameter under investigation. In the case of pH, an acid-base indicator that changes its absorption as a function of pH is immobilized on controlled pore glasses suitable coupled to plastic optical fibers. As for bile detection, the measurement is based on the direct absorption of bilirubin, the main biliary pigment, and a bundle of plastic optical fibers carries the signal. With a planned clinical assessment of the realized device, the achievement of this main objective implies the accomplishment of the following sub-tasks: i) development of optical fiber sensor for the measurement of pH; ii) development of the optical fiber sensor for bile detection; iii) development of the optical fiber manometer; iv) integration of the optical fiber sensors within a single catheter; v) realization of the portable interrogation unit for all the three parameters; vi) clinical assessment of the final device on both volunteers and patients.
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