Endoscopic Ablation System Eradicates Barrett’s Esophagus
By Theresa Herman Posted on 02 May 2016 |
Image: The Barrx 360 Express RFA balloon catheter (Photo courtesy of Medtronic).
A novel radio frequency ablation (RFA) catheter simplifies circumferential ablation of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), as well as reducing procedure time by up to 20%.
The Barrx 360 Express RFA balloon catheter uses a proprietary bipolar electrode array set in a soft, compliant balloon material to provide a 360-degree, three-centimeter long ablation zone that delivers precise circumferential RFA energy to the targeted BE tissue area. The procedure involves several steps: first, a soft sizing balloon is introduced to measure the diameter of the esophagus. The Barrx 360 RFA is then introduced over a guidewire, and the ablative energy is delivered, with the catheter moved distally to treat all targeted tissue. Focal catheters can be used for residual disease touch-up.
Components of the system include a proprietary RFA energy generator that automatically inflates to the appropriate size, based on the patient’s esophagus; sets the ablation parameters; and supplies energy to the soft sizing balloon and the RFA balloon catheter. The coagulum is removed from the ablation zone with a cleaning cap mounted on the endoscope. The Barrx 360 Express RFA is a product of Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland), and is available in five sizes, ranging from 18-31 mm.
“The biggest advantage of the Barrx 360 Express catheter is that it’s easier to use because of the larger, longer, and adjustable balloon size,” said Anthony Infantolino, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia, PA, USA). “These new features provide for a reduction in surgery time and the number of catheters required during RFA procedures, allowing me to concentrate on increasing the quality of the procedure.”
BE refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus, when the normal squamous epithelium lining of the esophagus is replaced by goblet cells, which are usually found lower in the GI tract. The medical significance of Barrett esophagus is its strong association with esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of cancer.
Related Links:
Medtronic
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
The Barrx 360 Express RFA balloon catheter uses a proprietary bipolar electrode array set in a soft, compliant balloon material to provide a 360-degree, three-centimeter long ablation zone that delivers precise circumferential RFA energy to the targeted BE tissue area. The procedure involves several steps: first, a soft sizing balloon is introduced to measure the diameter of the esophagus. The Barrx 360 RFA is then introduced over a guidewire, and the ablative energy is delivered, with the catheter moved distally to treat all targeted tissue. Focal catheters can be used for residual disease touch-up.
Components of the system include a proprietary RFA energy generator that automatically inflates to the appropriate size, based on the patient’s esophagus; sets the ablation parameters; and supplies energy to the soft sizing balloon and the RFA balloon catheter. The coagulum is removed from the ablation zone with a cleaning cap mounted on the endoscope. The Barrx 360 Express RFA is a product of Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland), and is available in five sizes, ranging from 18-31 mm.
“The biggest advantage of the Barrx 360 Express catheter is that it’s easier to use because of the larger, longer, and adjustable balloon size,” said Anthony Infantolino, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia, PA, USA). “These new features provide for a reduction in surgery time and the number of catheters required during RFA procedures, allowing me to concentrate on increasing the quality of the procedure.”
BE refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus, when the normal squamous epithelium lining of the esophagus is replaced by goblet cells, which are usually found lower in the GI tract. The medical significance of Barrett esophagus is its strong association with esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of cancer.
Related Links:
Medtronic
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery
- Robotic Nerve ‘Cuffs’ Could Treat Various Neurological Conditions
- Flexible Microdisplay Visualizes Brain Activity in Real-Time To Guide Neurosurgeons
- Next-Gen Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy Technology Rapidly Removes Blood Clots