Exploring the dark continent with Fibre Bragg Gratings

Abstract

The lower gastrointestinal tract has been referred to as the ‘Dark Continent’ of the human body because it is so hard to access without resorting to a surgeon’s blade. In response to an unmet clinical need we have developed a fibre optic manometry catheter that is now in clinical use across Australia and New Zealand. The unparalleled detail of colonic activity that these devices provide is being hailed as ground breaking by global experts. In this paper we present the design and clinical application of the catheters, and also some of the (sometimes surprising) requirements of our clinical colleagues.