Is numerical analysis of the peristaltic waves possible using on-line computer methods ?
J.A. Castell (Philadelphia)
Recent studies from our laboratory have indicated that fast and objective reading of intra-esophageal peristaltic waves can be performed using a computer system consisting of relatively inexpensive, commercially available hardware, commercially available assembly language subroutines, and a simple high level programming language (BASIC). The system also provides the opportunity to measure features of the peristaltic wave (dP/dT ; wave area) that are difficult to obtain using manual methods.
Excellent correlations were attained between values arrived at by computer analysis and the mean of manual interpretations from 5 investigators. These included the following:
Wave amplitude : r = 0.99
Wave duration : r = 0.83
Wave velocity : r = 0.89
Wave area : r = 0.98
LES pressure : r = 0.97
On line computer analysis of esophageal pressures has the potential for wider application, both for research purposes and in the clinical esophageal motility laboratory.
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