Study of transcutaneous and intraluminal measurement of gastric electrical activity in humans

Several authors have reported measurements of the human electrogastrogram (EGG), both with intraluminal electrodes and with improved noninvasive techniques. These methods provide information about the existence and frequency of gastric electrical activity (GEA) which may aid in diagnosing tachygastria. However, none of these methods have provided information regarding the direction and velocity of propagation of GEA. Such information could help isolates such abnormalities as gastro-oesophageal and antral reflux and gastric stasis. To ascertain the reliability of the extracorporal measurements, a new intraluminal electrode assembly was developed. This probe measures GEA through the mucosa at several locations simultaneously; yielding frequency, direction of propagation and velocity of the electrical activity.