A balloon mucosal impedance catheter system can detect and evaluate an array of esophageal disorders, Gastroenterology Consultant reports.
What you should know:
1. The balloon system detects and evaluates gastroesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic esophagitis by identifying changes in esophageal mucosal integrity during endoscopy.
2. The device is an alternative to transnasal catheters and wireless pH monitoring which can cause abnormal intraluminal refluxate.
3. Researchers tested the device in a study with 69 patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Participants were grouped into three cohorts. Twenty-four had GERD, 21 had EoE and 24 were controls.
4. Researchers observed a significant difference in mucosal impedance values in all cohorts. The control group had higher mucosal impedance values in all measured segments. The GERD cohort had low mucosal impedance values in the distal esophagus, which normalized in the proximal esophagus. The EoE cohort had low values in all esophagus segments.
5. One adverse event related to mild chest pain was reported overall.