Upper GI Imaging

GERD

EndoFLIP® allows the mechanical competence of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) to be assessed directly. Specifically, using a distensibility graph one can assess how wide the GEJ opens for a given distension pressure. Of particular interest is how much the junction opens at typical intra-bolus pressure (15-17mmHg). Points to the top left of the graph correspond to a patulous GEJ, which opens easily under little distending pressure. Points to bottom right of the graph correspond to a very tight GEJ. Fundoplication surgery reduces the distensibility of the GEJ. An assessment of whether a GERD patient will benefit from fundoplication can be improved by verifying that the patient indeed has an overly distensible GEJ. Alternatively, if the GEJ is shown to be very tight, the merits of fundoplication surgery for that patient require further consideration.

Future Directions – Eosiniphilic Esophagitis(EoE)

It has been recently shown that the distensibility of the wall of the esophagus changes (i.e. reduces) in patients with EoE. By monitoring esophageal wall distensibility, the EndoFLIP® system is currently being investigated as a tool both to assist in diagnosis of EoE, and to track the progress of patients on oral fluticasone.

Note : The above Indications For Use of EndoFLIP® are not currently cleared Indications of Use by the FDA in the USA