Non-invasive method to detect and locate haemorrhagic focus of GI tract

Abstract

Traditional diagnostic methods do not work well for gastrointestinal bleeding, and location of the haemorrhagic focus is even more difficult. Here a novel method with a microelectronic system is presented effectively to detect and locate the haemorrhagic focus. The outstanding advantage of this method is that it is non-invasive. The composition and working principles of the system are described in detail. Key to this system is the development of a haemoglobin (Hb) sensor. Through MEMS technology a micro haemoglobin sensor is developed and fabricated. The sensor's response performance, pH dependence and temperature dependence are tested experimentally. Initial tests suggest that the device is sufficiently sensitive to Hb concentration and insensitive to pH and temperature changes in the working range. As a result, the system has potential for development of an advanced instrument for detecting, localizing and treating gastrointestinal bleeding.