Project for monitoring equipment for gastroesophagal reflux disease (DRGE) with innovative use in biliar paths

• Grant number: 01/03439-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2003
• End date: December 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Sakai
• Grantee: Paulo Sakai
• Company: Ibasil Tecnologia Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The creation of solutions for the diagnosis of gastroesophagal reflux diseases (DRGE) is the origin of the present proposal. Studying the clinical manifestations of these diseases, physiological aspects of the human body and the digestive process, the search is for technological concepts for the monitoring of esophagal reflux and esophagal motility. The idea is to develop a piece of equipment which, by means of a probe inserted in the esophagal cavity, parameterizes the physical modification in the region during a determined period. The probe will store the alterations of the pH and the pressure exerted by the esophagus musculature, which will be transferred to a piece of software which will interpret in numbers, graphics and statistics the data collected, comparing it with pre-established data. This measuring apparatus should reach a broader range of pH reading, making it possible to identify the origin of the reflux. The probe should have multiple sensors, which will permit more accurate and faster monitoring. In the reading of manometric pressure, for example, the multiplicity of sensors will be better at interpreting the sequences and pre-established standards of the behaviors of the esophagal motility. Owing to the cost of imported apparatus, the pH/manometric examinations are not very widespread in Brazil. The production of a national apparatus, at an accessible cost, will bring great social benefits to the country. (AU)