New Technology to Diagnose and Treat GERD and Swallowing Disorders
Using state-of-the-art technology, nurses and doctors at Saint Peter’s University Hospital are testing and diagnosing complex heartburn and swallowing disorders. Evaluation and diagnosis of patients who are suspected to have a disorder is important to prescribing individualized treatment, says Arkady Broder, MD, associate chief of the Saint Peter’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The new Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility and GERD Therapy Laboratory at Saint Peter’s is equipped with the high-resolution esophageal monometry Bravo Ph and the new 360 radiofrequency ablation BARRX systems, among the latest diagnostic and treatment tools.
The new lab makes it possible to provide new treatment options for patients who suffer from conditions such as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. A common treatable disease that affects up to 40 percent of the U.S. population, if left untreated, chronic GERD can damage the esophagus and even contribute to the development of a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus. This condition in turn can progress to esophageal cancer.
Patients can find the following services at the new GI Motility and GERD Therapy Lab:
BARRX Radio Frequency Ablation Therapy
A new treatment option for Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition that can often result from having chronic heartburn or GERD. A physician provides treatment as part of an upper endoscopy procedure. BARRX can minimize the risk of developing esophageal cancer in patients suffering from Barrett’s Esophagus by destroying the potentially precancerous tissue.
Advantages:
1.Minimally invasive
2.Catheter-based test
3.It does not require any incisions or surgery
4.It is a same-day procedure with short recovery time
The ManoScan™ ESO High-Resolution Manometry System
For the diagnosis of esophageal disorders such as difficulty swallowing liquids and solids, heartburn or regurgitation. The procedure is done in 10 minutes or less in the laboratory.
Advantages:
1.High-resolution imaging
2.Improved diagnostic accuracy
3.Reduced procedure times
Digitrapper™ Reflux Testing System
For the evaluation of patients who continue to have symptoms of reflux despite taking medicine to alleviate them.
Advantages:
1.Minimally invasive
2.Catheter-based test
3.Collects data over the length of the esophagus
4.Monitors episodes of reflux – acid and non-acid
5.Identifies the root cause of symptoms, including hoarseness, throat clearing and cough
Bravo™ Reflux Testing System
For the study and understanding of symptoms of acid reflux or GERD in patients for whom medication has not provided relief. Using a capsule, the technology collects data while the individual goes about normal activities with no disruption to his/her regular diet or activities.
Advantages:
1.Minimally invasive
2.Extended monitoring period
3.Provides physicians with more diagnostic information
4.No disruption in the patient’s daily life
Visit saintpetershcs.com/GERDlab to learn more about the new Saint Peter’s laboratory.
About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp., which oversees outpatient facilities, including the CARES Surgicenter and New Brunswick Cardiac Cath Lab; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices. Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. For more information about Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, please visit www.saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.