Exciting Tool Available for Gastroenterologists
For gastroenterologists, one of the most technically challenging and interesting procedures is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure, however, entails technical limitations that limit its diagnostic utility.
A new tool was introduced at the Digestive Disease Week meeting by Boston Scientific, the duodenoscope assisted cholangiopancreatoscopy (SODAC), as described in a press release from the company.
The SpyGlass System enables a physician to easily operate the device alone for complete bile duct visualization duct. It can also be used in cases where ERCP alone cannot produce a definitive diagnosis.
The SpyGlass can also be used to complete definitive procedures, such as spincterotomy.
Boston Scientific argues that an additional benefit of SODAC over ERCP is decreased cost. Providing the opportunity for definitive diagnosis in patients with biliary disease is the chance to ensure appropriate treatment. In this area of medical practice which entails significant debate between specialties, cost sensitive tools with superior diagnostic power are an important asset.
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June 1, 2007 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy