THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SIZES OF BALLOONS INSERTED IN THE GUT AND CHANGES IN PRESSURE WITHIN THEM UPON THE ACTIVITY OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

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Abstract
The use of long balloons leads to faulty counts of the rhythmic contractions of the intestine (in dogs) due to 2 segmenting areas influencing the balloon. With balloons 120 mm. long the rate of the rhythmic contractions is variable, usually 2-4 contractions more per min. than when recorded with balloons 20-50 mm. in length. This difference is more marked when high pressures (30 cm. water) are used within the balloon. The amplitude of the rhythmic contractions is increased with the increase in pressure within the balloon when short balloons are used. When long balloons (120 mm.) are employed the amplitude may be diminished due to interference, i.e., 2 segmenting contractions affecting the balloon simultaneously or alternately. In all these exps., on increasing the pressure within the balloon from 15 to 30 cm. of water, the amplitude of the peristaltic waves which had been present under the lower pressure was increased. If they were not already present such an increase in the pressure brought them about. Under continued increased pressure the rate became slower and in some animals the peristaltic contractions ceased. The use of 30 cm. water pressure caused marked distention of the gut and loss of tonus. From these results the authors believe the pressure within the balloon in Thiry-Vella fistulae of unanesthetized dogs should never be more than 15 cm. of water (preferably 10-12 cm.). In all instances the balloon should be as short as feasible and always of a diameter larger than that of the lumen of the gut. With such balloons and low pressures not only increases in the general tonus can be recorded but also decreases in general tonus as well.

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