DDAR News
DDAR Keeps Up with Technology in Treating GERD
DDAR adds new technology to measure pH (acid) levels in the esophagus of patients with chronic heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
This new patient friendly technology is called Bravo. This test allows our physician to determine the frequency and amounts of acid refluxing into a patients esophagus. Bravo is the first catheter free pH monitoring system that allows patients to maintain their regular diet and activities without the embarrassment and discomfort associated with traditional pH catheter systems. The test involves a miniature pH capsule, which is attached to the esophagus. Over a 48 hour period the capsule measures the pH in the esophagus and transmits this information to a pager sized receiver which is worn on your belt or waistband. There is no uncomfortable tube coming out of the patient’s nose.
Patients are given a diary to write down when they have reflux symptoms, when they are eating or lying down. After the test is completed, the patient returns the diary and the Bravo receiver and the information is uploaded to a computer system and analyzed by one of our physicians. Several days after the test, the capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus and passes through the digestive tract. The Bravo system is a wonderful diagnostic tool to help our physicians diagnose patients with chronic GERD, especially those whose condition is not responding to medication management.