Scanning esophageal impedance probe for measurement of luminal cross section

A scanning esophageal probe for measuring luminal cross section is described. Current is injected into electrode assemblies so that a variable voltage output directly proportional to interelectrode impedance and inversely proportional to cross-sectional area of the medium around the electrodes may be measured. The device is capable of measuring the cross section of glass cylinders. It was used in one esophagus to measure the cross-sectional area of different sizes of swallowed bolus. The probe offers a safe and repeatable method of studying dynamic changes in luminal dimensions of the esophagus.