Medtronic
Medtronic has announced it has received CE Mark approval for its next generation Endoflip 300 system to measure pressure and dimensions in the oesophagus and pylorus in adults.
Medtronic says the Endoflip 300 System has the potential to help thousands of patients across Europe with oesophageal motility disorders achieve a diagnosis. The company says that research suggests these disorders are missed in up to 50% of endoscopies and patients can wait years to receive a diagnosis. Endoflip can be performed under sedation in around 5 minutes and can be utilised from the very first endoscopy.
Timely diagnosis of these conditions is key to improving patient outcomes. As pinpointing the underlying cause of patient symptoms can be very difficult, Endoflip represents a valuable tool as a convenient, well tolerated method for assessment.
The device uses a balloon catheter to display diameter estimates of the measurement area in real-time. It can measure and display diameter estimates at up to 16 points within the balloon while also displaying balloon pressure. This may allow for a more precise diagnosis and treatment planning from the very first endoscopy, preventing unnecessary distress for patients.
“Medtronic is committed to transforming oesophageal care for patients by providing physicians with cutting-edge solutions to their clinical challenges,” said Darin Wilson, Medtronic Endoscopy Business Unit Leader, Western Europe. “We are excited to have received CE Mark approval for Endoflip 300, which will help gastroenterologists & GI surgeons across Europe diagnose oesophageal motility disorders much earlier, plan and implement precise and effective treatment and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes. We are fuelled by our resolve to change each individual’s life for the better and strive to achieve this through continued technological innovation.”
Dr. Rehan Haidry, Clinical Lead of Endoscopy and Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, London added: “Endoflip is a game changer for us. Oesophageal motility disorders, like achalasia and gastroparesis, are notorious for being hard to spot and patients are often given the wrong diagnosis. I've seen patients with symptoms for over a decade, undergoing numerous inconclusive endoscopies. Endoflip provides us with a significant advantage: by guiding diagnosis and treatment early on, Endoflip can drastically improve patient outcomes.”
Professor Silvana Perretta, Upper gastro-intestinal surgeon, from the Nouvel Hôpital Civil (NHC) University Hospital, Strasbourg concluded: “Incorporating Endoflip technology for perioperative use provides an additional functional tool that enhances diagnostic accuracy and helps prevent misdiagnosis and therefore mistreatment. In surgery there is no room for approximation. This innovation is pivotal in delivering more precise care, particularly in the era of precision surgery and treatment. A smart imaging probe for smart diagnosis can save health care dollars and improve patient’s lives."
Key benefits of Endoflip according to Medtronic:
- Comfortable – can be performed under sedation
- Fast – Can take around 5 minutes
- Can be performed at the time of endoscopy
- Can facilitate clinical diagnosis to direct management
- Real time topography is displayed clearly on a screen alongside well established ranges
- Physicians trained in Endoflip may be able to make a diagnosis during the endoscopy
- Indicated for adult patients (18+)
