Development of closed-loop feedback algorithms and stimulation to modulate gastric functions

Development of closed-loop feedback algorithms and stimulation to modulate gastric functions

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are widespread, with large economic and social consequences. In 2010 alone, an estimated 60-70 million Americans suffered from a chronic digestive disease such as gastroparesis. The evidence base for the use of electric stimulation to treat diseases like gastroparesis is still very limited. Modulating gastric function is an important target function for electroceutical devices looking to provide therapy. Recording gastric motility in freely behaving animal models will form the needed foundation for neuromodulation protocols that can correct shortcomings in past, first-generation bioelectronic attempts to ameliorate and monitor gastric disorders. We are developing a fully implantable system capable of recording serosal gastric myoelectrical activity using electrogastrography (EGG) as well as stomach contractile activity using strain gauge transducers, in collaboration with researchers at  Purdue University and the University of Melbourne. Validation in freely behaving rodent models represents the first instance of continuous measurement of gastrointestinal motility in freely moving animal models. Subsequent validation in pigs represents large animal preclinical proof-of-principle and opens the door to future work investigating the development of closed-loop feedback algorithms and stimulation to modulate gastric function.