# Design and Application of a Radiofrequency Spectrophotometry Sensor for Measuring Esophageal Liquid Flow to Detect Gastroesophageal Reflux

**Authors:** Pedro J. Fito, Ricardo J. Colom, Rafael Gadea-Girones, Jose M. Monzo, Angel Tebar-Ruiz, F. Javier Puertas, Marta Castro-Giraldez

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/s25113533 · Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025-06-04

## TL;DR

A new non-invasive sensor was developed to detect gastroesophageal reflux disease by measuring esophageal liquid flow and ionicity in real time.

## Contribution

The sensor uses radiofrequency spectrophotometry to detect biomarkers of tissue damage and reflux with high sensitivity.

## Key findings

- Beta dispersion relaxation was identified as a biomarker for esophageal tissue damage.
- Alpha dispersion conductivity effectively detected reflux episodes in real time.
- The sensor showed high sensitivity in differentiating liquid media and GERD indicators.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?

A radiofrequency spectrophotometry sensor was developed for the non-invasive de-tect GERD by measuring esophageal liquid flow and ionicity;

It identified beta dispersion relaxation as a biomarker for esophageal tissue damage and alpha dispersion conductivity as an indicator of reflux, showing high sensitivity.

What is the implication of the main finding?

The sensor offers a patient-friendly, real-time alternative to endoscopy and pH moni-toring, eliminating associated discomfort;

This innovation enables continuous GERD monitoring, enhancing diagnostic accu-racy and supporting long-term tracking in clinical and ambulatory care.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread condition that requires reliable and non-invasive diagnostic methods to minimize patient discomfort. This study presents a radiofrequency spectrophotometry sensor specifically designed to detect esophageal liquid flow and ionicity in real time without disrupting the patient’s daily life. The sensor operates by measuring dielectric properties and ionic conductivity through the thoracic plexus, eliminating the need for invasive probes or prolonged monitoring. A study conducted on 49 participants demonstrated the sensor’s ability to differentiate between various liquid media and identify beta dispersion relaxation as a biomarker for esophageal tissue damage, a key indicator of GERD progression. Additionally, alpha dispersion conductivity effectively distinguished reflux episodes, proving the sensor’s high sensitivity. Unlike traditional diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy or pH monitoring, this radiofrequency spectrophotometry sensor enables continuous, real-time reflux detection, allowing patients to maintain a normal lifestyle during assessment. The results validate its potential as an innovative alternative for GERD diagnosis and monitoring, with future research focused on clinical validation, optimization, and integration into long-term patient monitoring systems.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** gastroesophageal reflux disease (MONDO:0007186), GERD (MONDO:0007186)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** GERD (MESH:D005764)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

7 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12158313/full.md

## References

37 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12158313/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12158313