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NCT Number: NCT05807321

Fecobionics in Biofeedback Therapy in Dyssynergia Patients

Constipation affects 12-19% of Americans. Pelvic floor dyssynergia is considered to play an important role in constipation but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood in individual patients. The investigators have developed a novel device named Fecobionics that provide detailed mapping of physiological parameters during defecation. The aim of the study is to use Fecobionics to assess anorectal function in dyssynergia patients and monitor and predict the outcome of the biofeedback therapy.

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Key information

Age range

21 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, California, United States

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About this study

This study aims to monitor and predict biofeedback therapy based on mechanism-based and highly integrated data using a new medical device. This study is specifically for patients with dyssynergia before, during, and after biofeedback therapy. The balloon-like Fecobionics device (10 cm long and 1 cm in diameter) will be inserted into the participant's rectum and will record data before and during the expulsion of the device. The participant will be asked to do different motions like cough, squeeze, or push during the procedure. The novel data obtained in this study may help the investigators to identify the patients who will benefit or not benefit from biofeedback therapy before the therapy is done. This will determine the effectiveness of treatments for anorectal disorders.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Subject must provide written informed consent.
  • Age between 21-75 years.
  • Subjects must fulfill the criteria for obstructed defecation/dyssynergia and enter the BFT at UCSD or Scripps.

Exclusion criteria

  • Female who is pregnant or lactating.
  • Prior abdominal or anorectal surgery or bowel resection.
  • Diagnosis of fecal incontinence, any anorectal symptoms and drug use that affect anorectal function.
  • Confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.
  • Severe cardiovascular disease.
  • Subjects not willing to consent and undergo the specified tests in this study.
  • Other exclusions, that in the opinion of the investigator, the volunteer is not a suitable subject for the study.

Treatment and study plan

Fecobionics

Device

Fecobionics is a novel device to be inserted through the anal canal into rectum for studying defecation. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test may be used as reference. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsive test are standard methods for anorectal functional measurement.

Other names: Anorectal manometry, Balloon expulsive test

Primary outcomes

  1. Expulsion Duration

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    The time it takes to defecate Fecobionics

  2. Pressure Difference between front and rear ends of Fecobionics

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    A measure of anal sphincter pressure, the driving rectal pressure, and the difference between these two pressures. This is the key to the determination of defecation phases.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Anorectal angle

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    Anorectal angle is an important parameter for defecation

  2. Mechanical Tension of Fecobionics

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    To reflect anorectal function, the mechanical tension will be computed. The tension is equal to anorectal radius multiply pressure.

  3. Expulsion Velocity

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    Measured from the time difference between multiple sensor data

  4. Cross-sectional area

    Time frame: 1.5 year

    Computed by diameter

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Hans Gregersen, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

858-249-7400

Satish Rao, MD, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

706-7212238

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The California Medical Innovations Institute, Inc.

Other

Collaborators

  • Augusta University Medical Center
  • Scripps Clinic

Registry information

Official study title

Fecobionics to Monitor and Predict Biofeedback Therapy in Dyssynergia Patients

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 11, 2023
Registry last updated
Oct 21, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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