A More Comfortable Way to Diagnose GERD

The conventional method for diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is a technique that involves insertion of a nasal catheter to monitor the esophagus’ acidity. But this method is uncomfortable and patients can usually only tolerate it for about twenty-four hours. Now there is a more comfortable way.

The Bravo system involves the endoscopic insertion of a small capsule, which can remain in place for forty-eight hours or longer with no interference in daily life. This capsule is about the size of a gel capsule. It is inserted into the patient's esophagus and attached to the esophageal wall. This capsule monitors esophageal pH, and transmits this data via radio frequency to a small receiver worn by the patient. At the end of the monitoring time, the data from this receiver can be downloaded into a computer and analyzed via Medtronic’s Polygram Net pH software. Between seven and ten days after the initial insertion, the capsule detaches and passes through the digestive system.

To read more:

• A More Comfortable Way to Diagnose GERD
• Explaining the Bravo pH Test
• Bravo pH Monitoring System Fact Sheet
• Bravo pH Monitoring System Improves Quality of Acid Reflux Testing
• Bravo Esophageal pH Monitoring System Study
• Diagnosing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease