Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) as an Adjunctive Modality in Evaluation of Esophageal Dysmotility

The Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) has emerged as a valuable adjunctive tool in the evaluation of esophageal diseases. Using volumetric distension, FLIP can assess secondary peristalsis and detect esophageal abnormalities that may not be evaluated by high-resolution manometry (HRM). In certain clinical settings, FLIP may allow for deferral of HRM. In therapy for esophageal diseases, FLIP has demonstrated value for its real-time interpretation, which can be used intra-procedurally to tailor therapy and to predict post-therapy outcomes. The future of FLIP looks promising as surgeons and gastroenterologists place increasing emphasis on non-manometric data to diagnose esophageal motility disorders.

Repetitive antegrade contraction: a novel response to sustained esophageal distension is modulated by cholinergic influence

Repetitive antegrade contraction, a unique, patterned, motor response to sustained esophageal distension, is observed on functional luminal imaging probe panometry in healthy controls and patients with normal esophageal motility; however, the mechanisms related to this response are unclear. Among healthy, asymptomatic volunteers, cholinergic inhibition with atropine reduced the vigor and triggering of distension-induced esophageal contractility, although the rate at which contractions occurred in a repetitive antegrade contraction pattern was unchanged by atropine.