Spatiotemporal evaluation of human colon motility using three-axis fluxgates and magnetic markers

An alternative method to study the mechanical activity of the human colon in fasting and postprandial states is presented. The method is based on measurements of the magnetic fields produced by a magnetic marker, a small cylindrical NdBFe magnet, when it was ingested by the subjects. A portable magn...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical & biological engineering & computing 2005-11, Vol.43 (6), p.712-715
Main Authors: Córdova-Fraga, T, Carneiro, A A O, de Araujo, D B, Oliveira, R B, Sosa, M, Baffa, O
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Colon - physiology
Colon, Sigmoid - physiology
Gastrointestinal Motility - physiology
Humans
Magnetics
Male
Muscular system
Proteins
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An alternative method to study the mechanical activity of the human colon in fasting and postprandial states is presented. The method is based on measurements of the magnetic fields produced by a magnetic marker, a small cylindrical NdBFe magnet, when it was ingested by the subjects. A portable magnetic probe, consisting of two digital three-axis fluxgate magnetometers, arranged in a first-order electronic gradiometer, was implemented for this research. Measurements were taken in 16 healthy male subjects. Contractile activity frequency measurements were taken along the colon length, including the ascending, transverse and descending sections, as well as the rectal sigmoidal section. Values for the contractile activity frequency of 2-5 cycles min(-1) were measured. The set-up is simple, low-cost and suitable for use in an unshielded environment.
ISSN:0140-0118
1741-0444
DOI:10.1007/BF02430947