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ltrathin endoscopes have proven to
be invaluable instruments for exam-
ining the upper GI tract of patients
with challenging anatomy, even if
that wasn't their intended applica-
tion. "Upper endoscopy exams performed with a
standard endoscope passed through the mouth
require sedating the patient, and ultrathin scopes
were originally designed to facilitate sedationless
upper endoscopies with the transnasal approach,"
says Vivek Kaul, MD, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, a pro-
fessor of medicine at the University of Rochester
(N.Y.) Medical Center & Strong Memorial Hospital.
"But the method has failed to catch on, perhaps
because patients have expectations to receive seda-
tion and anesthesia when undergoing exams."
The push for transnasal endoscopy was intended
to mitigate risks related to sedation and anesthesia,
which account for a majority of complications that
occur during upper endoscopy procedures.
"Sedationless exams are also easier for patients,
who undergo the procedures and can drive them-
Dan Cook | Editor-in-Chief
Up to Speed on Ultrathin Endoscopes
The slimmed down devices are designed to
improved access and visualization during upper endoscopies.
ENHANCED VIEW Advanced imaging on the latest ultrathin endoscopes highlights abnormalities along the mucosal lining and helps physicians identify cancerous growths.
