A potential approach to detecting of gastrointestinal slow waves based on optically pumped magnetometers array

Gastrointestinal slow wave (SW) can be used to evaluate human gastrointestinal function. Compared with electrogastrogram and electroenterogram, SW magnetic signals measurement can obtain higher-quality results. Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) based on the spin exchange relaxation-free method have comparable weak magnetic detection capabilities to superconducting quantum interference devices, and does not require liquid helium. Therefore, this study developed a gastrointestinal SW signals measurement system using OPM sensors. Our system measured rat intestinal SW signals with a frequency of approximately 34.24 cpm, and simultaneously extracted human gastric SW signals of approximately 3 cpm and intestinal SW signals of 8–12 cpm for the first time. It was also observed that the postprandial gastrointestinal SW signals were significantly enhanced compared with the fasting state. The results exhibited consistent power and time–frequency characteristics with previous reports. In summary, the gastrointestinal SW signals measurement system based on OPM provides a new technical approach for detecting gastrointestinal SWs and diagnosing related diseases.