Compression device and pressure sensor for treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality

A pressure sensing device comprising:

• a pouch defining an interior space containing a spacing insert and a fluid;
• a conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the interior space of the pouch;
• a pressure sensor in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit, the pressure sensor and the pouch and the conduit defining a fluid tight closed volume, the pressure sensor including a sensing layer and a sensing element in contact with the sensing layer, the sensing element generating a pressure signal when the fluid applies pressure to the sensing layer;
• a display device;
• and
• a controller in electrical communication with the pressure sensor and the display device, the controller executing a stored program to:
• (i) receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor;
• (ii) correlate the pressure signal to an applied pressure on the pouch;
• and (iii) display the applied pressure on the display device.

A method for reducing reflux above an upper esophageal sphincter of a subject by increasing an intra-luminal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter of the subject, the method comprising:

• (a) positioning a pressure sensing device on the neck of the subject over a cricoid of the subject;
• (b) using a compression device to apply an external pressure to the pressure sensing device until the pressure sensor denotes that the pressure is within a predetermined range;
• (c) associating the denoted pressure with a value of an indicator of the compression device;
• (d) removing the pressure sensing device and compression device from the subject;
• and
• (e) reapplying the compression device around the neck of the subject according to the value such that the cushion applies pressure to the cricoid of the subject.