Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Research Protocols

• Mechanisms for Prevention of Aspiration. 
  Description: 3 aims: Characterize aerodigestive reflexes preventing aspiration. Characterize esophageal reflexes preventing aspiration. Characterize upper GI pressure responses to cough and phonation. We are recruiting smokers and nonsmokers. Principal Investigator: Kulwinder Dua, MD

• Esophageal Motor Function in Health and Disease.
  Description: Investigate pharyngoesophageal and laryngeal function in health and disease as it relates to gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux and aspiration. Healthy controls and volunteers with certain gastroesophageal conditions may participate in various types of studies. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• Cerebral Cortical Representation of Gut-Sensory Motor Function.
  Description: In-depth investigation of cerebral cortical (brain) representation of digestive tract sensory/motor function in health and disease. We are recruiting IBS patients, CVS patients, Dyspepsia patients, and healthy voluteers for this MRI study. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• Comparison of Gene Expression Patterns Between Patients with Erosive and Nonerosive Phenotype Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
  Description: Understand the genetic variations in phenotypically different patients (normal squamous esophageal mucosa, esophagitis, or Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer). Study procedures may involve transnasal endoscopy or conventional endoscopy, biopsy, collection of waste esophagectomy tissue, acid perfusion, or taking a medication such as Nexium or Prilosec. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• CP-EUS A Comparison of the Anatomo-Physiologic Characteristics of the Esophagus Between Patients with Erosive Esophagitis, Esophageal Motility Disorders and Controls.
  Description: Obtain anatomo-physiological information regarding the esophageal wall and the upper and lower esophageal sphincter in patients with erosive esophagitis, esophageal motility disorders, and healthy controls. Participants will undergo a transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TEGD) and catheter probe-assisted endoluminal ultrasonography (CP-EUS). Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• Esophageal Motor Function in Health and Disease: Sensory Implications.
  Description: Comprehensive investigation of region-specific neural and neurocognitive cerebrocortical responses to esophageal viscerosensation in health and disease. Healthy controls and patients with sensory and organic esophageal disorders due to acid reflux will undergo several procedures. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• Resting State Connectivity and Cirrhosis.
  Description:Investigate which parts of the brain are affected by cirrhosis of the liver at rest and when undergoing a task related to memory. Patients with cirrhosis of the liver and healthy volunteers may undergo MRI scanning and pen and paper cognitive functioning testing. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   

• External Upper Esophageal Sphincter Band (Shaker Pressure Band) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
  Description: Investigate the effect of an external band placed just below the Adam’s apple on symptoms of esophageal reflux into the throat.  It is thought that this band can increase pressure in the opening of the food pipe, thereby reducing acid in the throat in patients with certain gastroesophageal conditions. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
  
   

If you are interested in participating in a research protocol, please call 414-805-3827.