Non-invasive device for diagnosing gastroesphageal reflux

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Specifically, the inventions provide a device and methods of using the device for accurately, quantitatively, and non-invasively diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both patients at risk for GERD and patients demonstrating reflux-like symptoms. In particular, the inventions relate to detecting and analyzing upward esophageal movements in patients, such as human infants, children, and adults.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for identifying an esophageal movement in a subject, comprising, a very low frequency sensor, wherein said sensor is capable of capturing a sub-audible signal, a step amplifier in electronic communication with said sensor, a recorder amplifier, wherein said recorder amplifier is capable of data storage and is in electronic communication With said step amplifier, a computer processor, wherein said processor is capable of data input and formatting and is in electronic communication with said recorder amplifier, and a graphical output of said computer processor, wherein said system does not include an analog recording device. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein sub-audible signal ranges between 1 and 40 Hertz. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein sub-audible signal is originating from the area of the lower esophageal sphincter of a subject. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor comprises a plurality of sensors. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a device for converting the sub-audible signal into a digital signal, wherein said sub-audible signal is captured by said sensor in electrical communication with said device. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of an analog to digital converter device. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising software capable of transforming a digital signal by a conversion algorithm selected from the group consisting of a fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), wherein said software is in operable combination with a computer processor. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising software capable of capturing a variable selected from the group consisting of frequency, range, amplitude, and duration in time, wherein said software is in operable combination with a computer processor. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising software capable of visually displaying a signal in a graphical output comprising amplitude, time, and frequency, wherein said software is in operable combination with a computer processor. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising software capable of distinguishing a reflux event from a non-reflux event, wherein said software is in operable combination with a computer-processor.