An anatomical model of the gastric system for producing bioelectric and biomagnetic fields

Between 60 and 70 million people in the United States are affected by gastrointestinal disorders. Many of these conditions are difficult to assess without surgical intervention and accurate noninvasive techniques to aid in clinical assessment are needed. Through the use of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) gradiometer, the weak magnetic field generated as a result of muscular activity in the digestive system can be measured. However, the interpretation of these magnetic recordings remains a significant challenge. We have created an anatomically realistic biophysically based mathematical model of the human digestive system and using this model normal gastric electrical control activity (ECA) has been simulated. The external magnetic fields associated with this gastric ECA have also been computed and are shown to be in qualitative agreement with recordings taken from normal individuals. The model framework thus provides a rational basis from which to begin interpreting magnetic recordings from normal and diseased individuals.