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LONG
BRANCH, NEW JERSEY- For patients diagnosed with Barrett’s
Esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus,
which is caused by the long-term exposure of to acid reflux,
a medical condition also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease
or GERD, thermal ablation with Barrx Medical’s HALO 360
and HALO90 bipolar radiofrequency catheters offers a revolutionary
new treatment option at Monmouth Medical Center.
“One immediate need which is met by this device is the
non-surgical treatment of dysplastic areas of Barrett's tissue—areas
most likely to turn cancerous,” said Steven A. Gorcey,
M.D., Division Chief of Gastroenteology at Monmouth Medical Center
and the first physician in New Jersey to perform the revolutionary
thermal ablation procedure for Barrett’s Esophagus. “The
system provides the unique opportunity to completely remove the
diseased tissue of patients suffering from Barrett’s Esophagus
with minimal risk. All of the pre-existing non-surgical therapies
were either not fully effective, presented significant risk to
the patient, or both.”
It is estimated that Barrett’s Esophagus affects between
2 and 7 million adults over 40 years of age in the United States,
and more than 80 percent of patients with Barrett's esophagus
have short segments of diseased tissue where the esophagus meets
the stomach. When stomach acids back up into the esophagus, the
lining of the esophagus can become injured. In some cases, the
esophageal lining may develop into a different kind of tissue
which resembles the lining of the intestine. This change is called
intestinal metaplasia or Barrett’s Esophagus.
“Since patients with Barrett’s Esophagus are much
more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population,
treatment advances are paramount,” stresses Dr. Gorcey. “The
incidence of esophageal cancer is rising faster than that of
breast cancer, prostate cancer or melanoma. Through proper diagnosis,
endoscopic surveillance, medical treatment, and now non surgical
intervention of Barrett’s Esophagus, patients have a much
better chance of avoiding a future esophageal cancer diagnosis.”
The HALO 360 catheter is a flat balloon bipolar radiofrequency
electrode allowing for ablation of large segments of Barrett’s.
After using a specially designed sizing balloon, the correct
diameter HALO 360 catheter is inserted in the esophagus with
direct endoscopic visualization. Large segments of Barrett’s
tissue can then be ablated efficiently. The smaller HALO 90 device,
which is mounted on an endoscope, allows for simplified treatment
of smaller segments of disease or “touch ups” after
the initial ballon treatment. Both devices maintain precise ablation
depth control offering a convenient, out-patient option for the
complete removal of Barrett's Esophagus. The design of the technology
limits the energy delivery to a depth clinically proven to remove
the diseased tissue while reducing the risk of injury to the
deeper healthy tissue layers. Clinical studies show re-growth
of normal healthy esophageal tissue after ablation. According
to a presentation at “Digestive Disease Week” in
May, 98 percent of Barrett’s tissue was successfully removed
in 61 patients using this device at the end of one year. In addition,
no buried glands (persistant Barrett’s) were noted in any
of the biopsies after treatment in all the studies to date (over
4,500 biopsies). Evidence of buried glands in biopsies following
treatment was the major drawback to all pre-existing ablation
modalities such as photo dynamic ablation, ablation using laser
or argon plasma coagulation.
Barrett's esophagus is caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux
disease. GERD is a disorder in which regurgitation of stomach
contents into the esophagus can cause injury and inflammation
of the esophageal lining, which in some patients can result in
the development of Intestinal Metaplasia or Barrett's Esophagus.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, an uncomfortable
burning sensation behind the breastbone, usually occurring after
a meal or at night while lying in bed. In some individuals, reflux
is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems
such as erosive esophagitis, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.
In addition, GERD can cause atypical symptoms such as asthma,
chest pain, chronic cough, laryngitis, sinusitis, and loss of
teeth enamel. In some patients with Barrett’s Esophagus,
GERD symptoms may not be present at all. GERD is usually treated
with anti-acid medications, and endoscopy is performed to rule
out complications such as ulcer and Barrett’s. If a patient
has a history of frequent GERD symptoms, or have been treated
for reflux but not evaluated by endoscopic biopsy, they should
contact their doctor.
“While the procedure will eliminate the Barrett’s
tissue, it is important to note that it does not cure GERD. Therefore
even after BARRX therapy, reflux medications will be continued,” noted
Dr. Gorcey. “Since acid reflux is the likely cause of Barrett’s,
it is important that patients continue to follow up with their
primary care physician and gastroenterologist to control their
GERD and prevent a recurrence of Barrett’s.”
For a referral to a Monmouth Medical Center gastroenterologist,
please call 1-888-724-7123.
CONTACT: Dennis Wilson, Jr.
dwilson@barnabashealth.org
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