Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which an abnormal, intestinal epithelium called specialized intestinal metaplasia replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus. The condition develops as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and predisposes the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Utilizing the innovative HALO technologies developed by Barrx Medical, Inc., Ochsner physicians are able to successfully treat and safely remove the diseased esophageal lining referred to as Barrett’s esophagus.
- Leading-edge Barrx technology results in fast, straightforward, uniform treatment
- A short, easily tolerated endoscopic procedure
- Tightly controlled, uniformed ablation of the epithelium
- Clinical evaluations completed for all types of Barrett’s tissue
Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure that combines the use of endoscopes and ultrasound. Ochsner is one of very few hospitals in the U.S. to use the latest enhancement in ultrasound technology—the ALOKA Alpha 10 system processor. This new technology offers unmatched image quality providing the most accurate medical images currently available of the gastrointestinal tract wall and helps the surgeon, radiologist, oncologist and internist to diagnose and treat many gastrointestinal cancers and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Advanced technology provides unmatched image quality to enhance doctor’s ability to perform procedures
- Supports better diagnosis and treatment
- Minimally invasive procedure supports faster surgical and recovery times
- ALOKA Alpha 10 system processor provides improved connectivity with other ultrasound components, enhanced data analysis capabilities
Spyglass ™ Fiber-optic Technology Ochsner physicians and staff utilize a new medical, fiber-optic technology called SpyGlass™ Direct Visualization System, to develop more accurate diagnoses in some of the smallest channels in the human body—the bile ducts leading to the liver and pancreas. A miniature 6,000-pixel fiber optic camera probe fits easily into the endoscope and provides real-time images of these small bodily channels.
- The SpyGlass system could lead to earlier detection of suspected malignancies, gallstones, blockages, or cystic lesions
- Advanced technology enables doctors to develop more accurate diagnoses
- Provides substantial improvement over black and white x-rays
- Supports earlier detection and effective treatment
- Lessens the need for additional testing or repeat ERCPs
