Project Overview

The goal of our project is to develop a safer method of treating esophageal strictures. An esophageal stricture is a collection of scar tissue partially blocking the esophagus pathway limiting food flow and giving the patient a choking sensation. Currently, a pressurized balloon dilation method is used to break the strictures, but can lead to tearing of the esophagus. We intend to instrument the esophageal dilation system to obtain accurate measurements of balloon pressure and volume during dilation. The instrumented system and a computer-readout of the results would be available to the surgeon during the dilation. By measuring the pressure on the esophagus, the surgeon may avoid over pressurization and prevent the tearing of the esophagus tissue.

Files

• Midsemester Presentation (February 23, 2006)
• Midsemester Report (March 3, 2006)
• Updated Product Design Presentation (April 26, 2006)
• Final Report (April 28, 2006)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Kristen Seashore - Team Leader
• Janelle Anderson - Communicator
• Chris Goplen - BSAC
• Lynn Murray - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Naomi Chesler - Advisor
• Mark Reichelderfer - Client

Related Projects

• Fall 2007: Device for dilating esophageal strictures
• Spring 2006: Device for dilating esophageal stictures