Microprocessor controlled movement of liquid gastric content using sequential neural electrical stimulation.
BACKGROUND
Gastric electrical stimulation has been attempted for several years with little success.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether movement of liquid gastric content could be achieved using microprocessor controlled sequential electrical stimulation.


METHODS
Eight anaesthetised dogs underwent laparotomy and implantation of four sets of bipolar stainless steel wire electrodes. Each set consisted of two to six electrodes (10x0.25 mm, 3 cm apart) implanted circumferentially. The stomach was filled with water and the process of gastric emptying was monitored. Artificial contractions were produced using microprocessor controlled phase locked bipolar four second trains of 50 Hz, 14 V (peak to peak) rectangular voltage. In four of the dogs four force transducers were implanted close to each circumferential electrode set. In one gastroparetic patient the effect of direct electrical stimulation was determined at laparotomy.


RESULTS
Using the above stimulating parameters circumferential gastric contractions were produced which were artificially propagated distally by phase locking the stimulating voltage. Averaged stimulated gastric emptying times were significantly shorter than spontaneus emptying times (t1/2 6.7 (3.0) versus 25.3 (12.9) minutes, p<0.01). Gastric electrical stimulation of the gastroparetic patient at operation produced circumferential contractions.


CONCLUSIONS
Microprocessor controlled electrical stimulation produced artificial peristalsis and notably accelerated the movement of liquid gastric content.
Mintchev
M P
MP
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sanmiguel
C P
CP
Otto
S J
SJ
Bowes
K L
KL
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000502:physiology; D014867:Water
D014867:Water