Novel Ablation Catheter Treats Barrett’s Esophagus

A new radiofrequency ablation (RFA) endoscopic catheter offers enhanced visualization and eliminates the need for multiple endoscope introductions.

The Barrx Channel RFA endoscopic catheter is intended for use in the coagulation of bleeding and non-bleeding sites in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including esophageal ulcers, Mallory-Weiss tears, arteriovenous malformations, angiomata, Barrett’s esophagus, Dieulafoy lesions, angiodysplasia, Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), and radiation proctitis (RP). The device is based on proprietary technology that carefully controls the amount of RFA energy delivered to remove diseased tissue, thereby allowing the growth of healthy tissue.


Endoscopic surgeons and gastroenterologists can shorten procedure time with the device, which allows for fewer endoscope introductions and removals, as the technology enables the 7.5 mm wide electrode to easily pass through a 2.8-mm diameter endoscope working channel. Other features include a transparent ablation electrode for enhanced visualization, and a unique rotatable shaft design that provides additional control and maneuverability towards the ablation site. The Barrx Channel RFA endoscopic catheter is a product of Covidien (Dublin, Ireland), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Covidien continues to offer patients and physicians a solution to address Barrett’s esophagus,” said Vafa Jamali, vice president and general manager of GI solutions at Covidien. “The newest addition to the Barrx portfolio is designed to simplify the procedure by delivering our proven RF technology through the working channel of the endoscope.”

Barrett's esophagus 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.

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