New System more precise than ERCP?

New Visualization System Found to Be More Precise than ERCP
Researchers reported at the DDW (Digestive Disease Week) meeting in Los Angeles, that direct visualization with a device called SpyGlass™ altered their diagnosis or treatment strategy with most patients who had been previously examined with ERCP.Data shows that up to 30% of diagnostic ERCP are inconclusive, potentially creating the need for further testing. ‘Direct visualization significantly improves the chances of accurately diagnosing and treating a patient in one procedure, thus achieving the full potential of ERCP’, stated lead investigator Yang K. Chen, MD, from the University at Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. Both bench simulation and animal testing showed that the SpyGlass system to be effective for access, direct visualization and biopsy in all bile duct quadrants. Furthermore, this procedure can be performed by a single operator, as compared to conventional systems where two operators are required. In this investigator initiated first human use experience and bench simulation study, the researchers used the SpyGlass system to examine and treat 22 patients with various disorders. According to DDW co-presenter Douglas Pleskow, MD, Colon Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass., ‘the use of SpyGlass altered the initial ERCP impression and ultimately changed patient treatment strategy in 19 patients.’ To overcome the limitations of conventional ERCP, this new system uses a miniature 6,000-pixel fiber optic SpyGlass probe that attaches to the camera head. The probe is inserted through a single-use access and delivery catheter that can be steered in four directions to access and inspect all four quadrants of the treatment area. The system attaches directly to a standard duodenal scope. The SpyGlass system is manufactured by Boston Scientific Corporation. The company’s Senior Vice President, Steve Moreci, summed up the results by saying that ‘These studies indicate that the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System has the potential to redefine how ERCP is performed and to potentially help physicians obtain a more accurate diagnosis quickly.’