Upper esophageal sphincter impedance as a marker of sphincter opening diameter

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (9) ◽  
pp. G909-G913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taher I. Omari ◽  
Lara Ferris ◽  
Eddy Dejaeger ◽  
Jan Tack ◽  
Dirk Vanbeckevoort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Index ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Aim Analysis ◽  
Luminal Diameter ◽  
High Resolution Manometry ◽  
Swallowing Dysfunction ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Ues Opening ◽  
Swallow Function

The measurement of the physical extent of opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) during bolus swallowing has to date relied on videofluoroscopy. Theoretically luminal impedance measured during bolus flow should be influenced by luminal diameter. In this study, we measured the UES nadir impedance (lowest value of impedance) during bolus swallowing and assessed it as a potential correlate of UES diameter that can be determined nonradiologically. In 40 patients with dysphagia, bolus swallowing of liquids, semisolids, and solids was recorded with manometry, impedance, and videofluoroscopy. During swallows, the UES opening diameter (in the lateral fluoroscopic view) was measured and compared with automated impedance manometry (AIM)-derived swallow function variables and UES nadir impedance as well as high-resolution manometry-derived UES relaxation pressure variables. Of all measured variables, UES nadir impedance was the most strongly correlated with UES opening diameter. Narrower diameter correlated with higher impedance ( r = −0.478, P < 0.001). Patients with <10 mm, 10–14 mm (normal), and ≥15 mm UES diameter had average UES nadir impedances of 498 ± 39 Ohms, 369 ± 31 Ohms, and 293 ± 17 Ohms, respectively (ANOVA P = 0.005). A higher swallow risk index, indicative of poor pharyngeal swallow function, was associated with narrower UES diameter and higher UES nadir impedance during swallowing. In contrast, UES relaxation pressure variables were not significantly altered in relation to UES diameter. We concluded that the UES nadir impedance correlates with opening diameter of the UES during bolus flow. This variable, when combined with other pharyngeal AIM analysis variables, may allow characterization of the pathophysiology of swallowing dysfunction.

Influence of normal aging on oral-pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter function during swallowing

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (3) ◽  
pp. G389-G396 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Shaw ◽  
I. J. Cook ◽  
M. Gabb ◽  
R. H. Holloway ◽  
M. E. Simula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Sphincter Function ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Ues Opening ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallowing

The influence of aging on oral-pharyngeal swallowing was assessed by simultaneous manometry and videoradiography in 14 nondysphagic elderly individuals (mean age 76 yr) and 11 healthy, young controls (mean age 21 yr). Sphincter opening was diminished significantly in the elderly (P = 0.0001), but trans-sphincteric bolus flow rates were preserved. The increased impedance to trans-sphincteric bolus flow from reduced sphincter opening in the aged was reflected in a significant increase in hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure (P = 0.003). Oral transit time was significantly prolonged in the aged (P = 0.01). The timing of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) manometric relaxation and of opening was significantly delayed in the aged (P = 0.0001), and this delay was comparable in magnitude to the prolongation in oral transit. Coordination of UES relaxation and opening with midpharyngeal contraction was not significantly affected by age. Deglutitive hyolaryngeal motion was not affected by age but was delayed by a duration equivalent to the prolongation in oral transit. We conclude that normal aging prolongs the oral-pharyngeal swallow that impairs UES opening but does not influence pharyngo-sphincteric coordination.

Biomechanics of failed deglutitive upper esophageal sphincter relaxation in neurogenic dysphagia

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (1) ◽  
pp. G16-G26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan B. H. Williams ◽  
Karen L. Wallace ◽  
Galib N. Ali ◽  
Ian J. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Zenker’S Diverticulum ◽  
Bolus Volume ◽  
Neurogenic Dysphagia ◽  
Zenker's Diverticulum ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Extrapyramidal Disease ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Ues Opening

Our aims were to examine the etiology and biomechanical properties of the nonrelaxing upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and the relationship between UES opening and failed relaxation. We examined the relationships among swallowed bolus volume, intrabolus pressure, sagittal UES diameter, the pharyngeal swallow response, and geniohyoid shortening in 18 patients with failed UES relaxation, 23 healthy aged controls, and 15 with Zenker's diverticulum. Etiology of failed UES relaxation was 56% medullary disease, 33% Parkinson's or extrapyramidal disease; and 11% idiopathic. Extent of UES opening ranged from absent to normal and correlated with preservation of the pharyngeal swallow response ( P = 0.012) and geniohyoid shortening ( P = 0.046). Intrabolus pressure was significantly greater compared with aged controls ( P < 0.001) or Zenker's diverticulum ( P < 0.001). The bolus volume-dependent increase in intrabolus pressure evident in controls was not observed in failed UES relaxation. The nonrelaxing UES therefore displays a constant loss of sphincter compliance throughout the full, and potentially normal, range of expansion during opening. Adequacy of UES opening is influenced by the degree of preservation of the pharyngeal swallow response and hyolaryngeal traction. In contrast, the stenotic UES displays a static loss of compliance, only apparent once the limit of sphincter expansion is reached.

Intrabolus pressure gradient identifies pathological constriction in the upper esophageal sphincter during flow

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (5) ◽  
pp. G1037-G1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam Pal ◽  
Rohan B. Williams ◽  
Ian J. Cook ◽  
James G. Brasseur
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Frictional Resistance ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Time Patterns ◽  
Space Time Structure ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Ues Opening

Propulsion of a bolus through the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is driven by a pressure drop in the direction of flow against frictional resisting force. Basic mechanics suggest that the axial rate of drop in intrabolus pressure (IBP), i.e., the intrabolus pressure gradient (IBPG), should be locally sensitive to abnormal constriction. We sought to quantify space-time patterns of IBP and IBPG that correlate with pathological disruption to transsphincteric bolus transport. High-resolution high-fidelity perfused manometry was applied concurrent with videofluoroscopy in 6 healthy controls and 10 patients with restricted UES opening and 4 bolus volumes. Pressures were interpolated spatially and displayed as space-time isocontours with bolus head and tail trajectories superimposed to identify the IBP domain. IBP and IBPG were averaged over an approximately steady period of transsphincteric flow. The axial location and magnitude of maximum IBPG were quantified for each swallow relative to the location of the abnormal restriction. We found that average hypopharyngeal IBP and locally maximal IBPG were significantly higher in the patient group ( P < 0.001), whereas the maximum IBPG was insensitive to bolus volume, and the locations of maximum IBPG in the patient group were well correlated with axial locations of maximal UES constriction ( r = 0.84, P < 0.01). Space-time structure of IBP and IBPG correlated qualitatively with swallow dysfunction. Because IBPG reflects pressure force driving the bolus against frictional force in the UES, IBPG reflects local changes in frictional resistance from pathological constriction during bolus flow. Consequently, the location and magnitude of IBPG reflect the existence and location of abnormal constriction, and IBP and IBPG structure reflect decompensation of the pharyngeal swallow.

scholarly journals Pressure Flow Analysis in the Assessment of Preswallow Pharyngeal Bolus Presence in Dysphagia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Ferris ◽  
Taher Omari ◽  
Margot Selleslagh ◽  
Eddy Dejaeger ◽  
Jan Tack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Pressure Flow ◽  
High Resolution Manometry ◽  
Objective Interpretation ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Swallow Function ◽  
Individual Metrics

Objectives. Preswallow pharyngeal bolus presence is evident in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Pressure flow analysis (PFA) using high resolution manometry with impedance (HRMI) with AIMplot software is a method for objective interpretation of pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressures and bolus flow patterns during swallowing. This study aimed to observe alterations in PFA metrics in the event of preswallow pharyngeal bolus presence as seen on videofluoroscopy (VFSS).Methods. Swallows from 40 broad dysphagia patients and 8 controls were recorded with a HRMI catheter during simultaneous VFSS. Evidence of bolus presence and level reached prior to pharyngeal swallow onset was recorded. AIMPlot software derived automated PFA functional metrics.Results. Patients with bolus movement to the pyriform sinuses had a higher SRI, indicating greater swallow dysfunction. Amongst individual metrics, TNadImp to PeakP was shorter and flow interval longer in patient groups compared to controls. A higher pharyngeal mean impedance and UES mean impedance differentiated the two patient groups.Conclusions. This pilot study identifies specific altered PFA metrics in patients demonstrating preswallow pharyngeal bolus presence to the pyriform sinuses. PFA metrics may be used to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and track changes in swallow function over time.

The upper esophageal sphincter in the high-resolution manometry era

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Norton ◽  
Fernando A. M. Herbella ◽  
Francisco Schlottmann ◽  
Marco G. Patti
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
High Resolution Manometry ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter

Influence of mucosal receptors on deglutitive regulation of pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter function

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (4) ◽  
pp. G644-G649 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. N. Ali ◽  
T. M. Laundl ◽  
K. L. Wallace ◽  
D. W. Shaw ◽  
D. J. Decarle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Input ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Sensory Receptors ◽  
Potential Influence ◽  
Sphincter Function ◽  
Temporal Regulation ◽  
Wave Characteristics ◽  
Pharyngeal Swallow ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Contraction Wave

The potential influence of mucosal sensory receptors on the regulation of oral-pharyngeal swallow events was studied in 15 healthy volunteers using simultaneous videoradiography and manometry. We determined the effects of selective pharyngeal and oral plus pharyngeal anesthesia on the following temporal and manometric measures in response to liquid and viscous swallows: regional transit and clearance times; motion of hyoid and larynx; upper esophageal sphincter relaxation, opening, and closure; and pharyngeal contraction wave characteristics. Under the influence of mucosal anesthesia no subjects demonstrated aspiration during deglutition. Neither regional transit and clearance times nor pharyngosphincteric coordination was influenced significantly by pharyngeal mucosal anesthesia or oral plus pharyngeal anesthesia. Although midpharyngeal and distal pharyngeal contraction amplitudes were not influenced by mucosal anesthesia, midpharyngeal contraction wave duration was reduced significantly by both pharyngeal (P = 0.02) and oral plus pharyngeal anesthesia (P = 0.0005). We conclude that 1) neither elicitation of the pharyngeal swallow response nor temporal regulation among swallow events is dependent on mucosal sensory receptors and 2) duration of the pharyngeal contraction is influenced by sensory input from the oral-pharyngeal mucosa.

Effects of Lingual Effort on Swallow Pressures Following Radiation Treatment

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 687-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Lenius ◽  
Julie Stierwalt ◽  
Leonard L. LaPointe ◽  
Michelle Bourgeois ◽  
Giselle Carnaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
External Beam Radiotherapy ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Oral Tongue ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Therapeutic Activities ◽  
Swallow Function

Purpose This article investigated the effects of increased oral lingual pressure on pharyngeal pressures during swallowing in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. It was hypothesized that increased oral lingual pressure would result in increased pharyngeal pressures. Method A within-subject experimental design was used with 20 participants who were status post external beam radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Participants completed typical swallows and swallows with increased lingual force during manofluoroscopic swallow studies. The swallow condition order was randomized across participants. Results Manometric data revealed significant differences in swallow pressure by condition at the base of tongue and upper esophageal sphincter sensor locations without significant pressure differences in the lower pharynx. The effortful lingual swallows resulted in higher mean pressures at all locations. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that use of a maneuver designed to increase oral tongue effort can also increase pharyngeal tongue base pressure. Therefore, therapeutic activities used to generate greater pressure of the oral tongue may also alter pharyngeal response. Further research is needed to determine the direct clinical effect on swallow function for individuals with head and neck cancer.

scholarly journals A human model of restricted upper esophageal sphincter opening and its pharyngeal and UES deglutitive pressure phenomena

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (1) ◽  
pp. G84-G90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongmei Jiao ◽  
Ling Mei ◽  
Tarun Sharma ◽  
Mark Kern ◽  
Patrick Sanvanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contractile Function ◽  
Cricoid Pressure ◽  
Cricoid Cartilage ◽  
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
Upper Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
The Other ◽  
Human Model ◽  
Esophageal Sphincter ◽  
Ues Opening ◽  
High Pressure Zone

Oropharyngeal dysphagia due to upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction is commonly encountered in the clinical setting. Selective experimental perturbation of various components of the deglutitive apparatus can provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of the swallowing physiology and pathophysiology. The aim is to characterize the pharyngeal and UES deglutitive pressure phenomena in an experimentally induced restriction of UES opening in humans. We studied 14 volunteers without any dysphagic symptoms (7 men, 66 ± 11 yr) but with various supraesophageal reflux symptoms. To induce UES restriction, we used a handmade device that with adjustment could selectively apply 0, 20, 30, or 40 mmHg pressure perpendicularly to the cricoid cartilage. Deglutitive pharyngeal and UES pressure phenomena were determined during dry and 5- and 10-ml water swallows × 3 for each of the UES perturbations. External cricoid pressure against the UES resulted in a significant increase in hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure and UES nadir deglutitive relaxation pressure for all tested swallowed volumes ( P < 0.05). Application of external cricoid pressure increased the length of the UES high pressure zone from 2.5 ± 0.2 to 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.5 ± 0.1, and 3.7 ± 0.1 cm for 20, 30, and 40 mmHg cricoid pressure, respectively ( P < 0.05). External cricoid pressure had no significant effect on pharyngeal peristalsis. On the other hand, irrespective of external cricoid pressure deglutitive velopharyngeal contractile integral progressively increased with increased swallowed volumes ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, acute experimental restriction of UES opening by external cricoid pressure manifests the pressure characteristics of increased resistance to UES transsphincteric flow observed clinically without affecting the pharyngeal peristaltic contractile function.

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