Figure 9.

Adaptation of the pressure-amittance mechanical states model to accommodate movement of the UES high pressure zone relative to the catheter. (A) Spatio-temporal pressure plot of an example pharyngeal swallow showing a region of interest encompassing the UES high pressure zone before, during and after swallow. Pmax shows the positon of maximal pressure defined at all time points and demonstrates the elevation of the sphincter that occurs before complete relaxation. (B) A representation of the UES mechanical states predicted during the swallow over time based on the pressure and admittance values determined along the Pmax line. Different phases of the swallow shown are indicated based on the mechanical states predicted. (C) Aggregate data from all liquid swallows recorded in this subject showing changes in the proportion of the mechanical states over time. (D) The inferred level of activation of cricopharyngeal muscle over time.