Measuring member and device for determining the blood flow of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for registrating the intestinal peristalsis

A system for monitoring blood flow of a gastrointestinal tract, comprising

• an elongated probe having a proximal end and a distal region, the probe configured for placement within the intestine;
• an inflatable body disposed on the distal region, the inflatable body communicating with the proximal end of the probe;
• an electronic sensor operatively associated with the inflatable body, the electronic sensor configured to generate a plethysmographic signal corresponding to time-wise changes in blood flow volume within the intestine;
• and
• a monitor operatively coupled to the inflatable body and the electronic sensor, the monitor configured to control inflation of the inflatable body to a condition so that the electronic sensor abuts against a wall surface of the intestine without diminishing blood flow therein, the monitor configured to process the plethysmographic signal to generate a signal corresponding to at least one of the blood pressure and intestinal peristalsis at the location of the electronic sensor.