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Video 1A novel bedside swallowed optical sensor for detection of upper GI bleeding.
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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency associated with elevated mortality and significant costs to the health care system. EGD is currently the method of choice for the diagnosis and management of these conditions. However, the location of bleeding lesions and technical difficulties in achieving endoscope stability may challenge even the most experienced endoscopists. Herein, we demonstrate the use of the cap and underwater technique as a helpful aid in these situations. METHODS: We present a case series of 4 patients with acute UGIB who underwent EGD with suboptimal endoscopic visualization or technical difficulties in identifying the source of bleeding. A transparent plastic cap was attached to the distal tip of the gastroscope, and the water immersion technique (underwater) was used for endoscopic re-evaluation of the bleeding site. RESULTS: Three patients presented with duodenal bleeding, and 1 was diagnosed with diffuse bleeding from the esophagus. The clear and accurate identification of the source of bleeding and effective hemostasis were possible after cap and underwater technique evaluation in all patients. CONCLUSION: The use of the cap and underwater technique is a simple, safe, and low-cost strategy that improves the identification and control of UGIB in locations with poor visibility and technical challenges during endoscopic evaluation.
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BACKGROUND: Endoscopic intervention is often the first line of therapy for GI nonvariceal bleeding. Although some of the devices and techniques used for this purpose have been well studied, others are relatively new, with few available outcomes data. METHODS: In this document, we review devices and techniques for endoscopic treatment of nonvariceal GI bleeding, the evidence regarding their efficacy and safety, and financial considerations for their use. RESULTS: Devices used for endoscopic hemostasis in the GI tract can be classified into injection devices (needles), thermal devices (multipolar/bipolar probes, hemostatic forceps, heater probe, argon plasma coagulation, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy), mechanical devices (clips, suturing devices, banding devices, stents), and topical devices (hemostatic sprays). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic evaluation and treatment remains a cornerstone in the management of nonvariceal upper- and lower-GI bleeding. A variety of devices is available for hemostasis of bleeding lesions in the GI tract. Other than injection therapy, which should not be used as monotherapy, there are few compelling data that strongly favor any one device over another. For endoscopists, the choice of a hemostatic device should depend on the type and location of the bleeding lesion, the availability of equipment and expertise, and the cost of the device.