Shape memory-based gastric motility 3D mapping

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility, caused by impaired muscular contractions in the GI tract, affects 15%–20% of the population. Current clinical evaluations are limited. Here we report a motility-mapping platform that maps three-dimensional (3D) pressure distribution in the stomach, addressing gaps in existing techniques, such as high-resolution manometry. We validated the platform’s measurements against existing techniques in the esophagus and rectum. A sensor probe, designed to conform to specific anatomical environments, uses body-temperature-triggered shape memory alloy to adapt to the stomach. We tested the platform’s motility mapping in swine stomachs, esophagi, and rectums, both ex vivo and in vivo. This 3D in vivo charac- terization could transform our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of complex GI conditions, such as functional dyspepsia.