Esophageal contractility monitoring for anesthetic depth assessment

In 1984, it was reported that measurements of lower esophageal contractility (LEC) appeared to correlate with general anesthetic depth. In this study the authors evaluated the utility of LEC as a guide to the management of anesthetic depth using the Lectron 302. The device displays the esophageal contractility index (ECI), which reflects the frequency of spontaneous LECs and the amplitude of provoked LECs. Studies were made of surgical patients who received LEC monitoring in addition to routinely monitored parameters to establish a normal range of ECI. This information was then used to dose patients according to ECI criteria. The use of ECI criteria resulted in adequate anesthesia.<
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