Does the Bravo pH capsule affect esophageal motor function?
The aim of this study was to determine whether attachment of the Bravo pH monitoring capsule alters esophageal motility. Twenty normal subjects were studied with 36-channel high-resolution manometry before and after Bravo capsule placement. Subjects performed 10 5-mL water-swallows in both upright and supine positions and two 5-mL barium-swallows under fluoroscopy synchronized with manometry recordings. There was no significant change in basal esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressure, EGJ relaxation pressure or peristaltic function before and after Bravo placement in either position. However, a 2-cm focus of augmented peristalsis was found corresponding to the position of the Bravo capsule. Ten subjects were aware of the capsule (7 had a mild foreign body sensation, 1 had mild discomfort, and 2 had chest pain altering daily activity or diet) while nine subjects were unaware of the capsule. Subjects who were aware of the capsule’s presence exhibited a greater augmentation of peristalsis
