Striated Esophageal Motor Function Modulation in Health and Disease

To reduce the laryngeal movement and St.Eso excursion we will use a device constructed in our laboratory which can induce an adjustable resistance to excursion of the larynx. This handmade device that is worn around the neck consists of a band and a concave plastic disk which serves as a support structure for an inflatable polyethylene bag which is connected to a hand pump and pressure gauge. When worn around the neck the inflatable bag rests in position on the thyroid cartilage with a portion of it hung over above the cartilage creating resistance to its superior excursion when fixed by closure straps. A known external force may be applied to the thyroid by partially inflating the bag to a specific pressure reading on the gauge. The soft and compliant bag conforms to the larynx while applying a resistive force to anterior and superior distraction of the hyolaryngeal complex during swallowing.

Use the previously mentioned wearable device (sRED) and exercise regimen described previously for studying the effect of increase in anterosuperior excursion of the larynx/St.Eso on St.Eso peristaltic function.