Bowel Sounds Identification and Migrating Motor Complex Detection with Low-Cost Piezoelectric Acoustic Sensing Device

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics

Background:

• Bowel sounds (BS) are a non-invasive tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
• Current interpretation of BS is limited by variability and short recording durations.
• Longer BS recordings offer potential for deeper insights into GI physiology and clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a low-cost piezoelectric acoustic sensing device for extended BS recordings.
• To detect the migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle using BS and a sound index.
• To develop an improved categorization system for BS based on acoustic characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A low-cost piezoelectric acoustic sensing device was engineered for prolonged BS acquisition.
• The sound index was utilized as a biomarker for identifying phases of the MMC cycle.
• A novel system was developed to categorize five distinct types of BS based on their acoustic properties.

Main Results:

• The developed device successfully detected the MMC cycle, a process typically requiring invasive methods.
• A new classification system for BS was established, identifying five types: single burst, multiple bursts, continuous random sound, harmonic sound, and their combinations.
• While the quantity of different BS varied significantly between individuals, the proportions of BS types remained consistent across recordings.

Conclusions:

• The low-cost acoustic sensing device is a valuable tool for MMC detection and studying GI physiology.
• The improved BS categorization system enhances the diagnostic potential of acoustic analysis in gastroenterology.
• Extended BS monitoring using this technology can advance our understanding of GI function and related disorders.