Acquisition and analysis of electrogastrogram for classification of digestive system disorders

Abstract

In human physiology, digestive system is one of the most important systems, in which the stomach plays a major role with its accessory such as Esophagus, Duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, etc. Many people around the world are suffering from stomach dysrhythmias associated with gastric motility disorders such as dyspepsia (improper digestion), unexplained nausea (vomiting sensation), vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach s ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux diseases, etc. Clinical analysis, endoscopy, electrogastrogram, imaging are some of the methods to detect the abnormalities. Of the methods listed above, electrogastrogram has the advantage of being non-invasive and cost effective. In this thesis, investigation of digestive system disorders is performed by acquiring the Electrogastrogram and analyzing it using different techniques. Electrogastrogram is the recording of electrical signals that travel through the muscles of the stomach and control the muscle s contraction. The electrical signals from the stomach muscles are sensed by the electrode and the EGG is recorded. The recorded EGG signals are studied using computer analysis. In a normal stomach muscle, the regular electrical rhythm generates an increased current after a meal. In persons with stomach muscle or nerve irregularities, the post meal electrical rhythm is irregular. In this investigation, EGG of normal subject, bradygastria, dyspepsia, nausea, tachygastria, ulcer and vomiting is considered for analysis. If the Electrogastrogram is abnormal, it confirms that the problem probably is with the stomach muscles or the nerves that control the muscles. In this thesis, novel methods are developed and implemented to acquire the EGG signals so as to form a database for the investigation of digestive system disorders. Statistical methods are used widely in the analysis of biosignals like ECG, EGG, etc., for the identification of the disorders.