New Technology Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of
Heartburn
from Better Health magazine, Winter, 2005
Physicians appreciate
new system that makes testing for reflux disease more
reliable.
The latest piece of technology at DRMC certainly accomplishes
that - but it also makes a significant improvement in
patient comfort.
Called BRAVO, the new system is a major improvement
for patients, said Douglas Shiflett, MD of Internal
Medicine Associates. "The way we formerly tested
for the causes of heartburn required that a catheter
be passed through the nose into a person's esophagus,"
he said. "Then that catheter had to be worn at
work, while eating, and in all daily activities."
"It was uncomfortable and embarrassing, and as
a result people stopped doing their normal routine.
Because they felt this foreign object in their nose
and throat, many didn't eat normally, either. We weren't
able to get a proper diagnosis, and the patient wasn't
able to get relief. If that wasn't bad enough, probably
half of those who were candidates for the test flatly
refused to take it once they learned what would be required
of them."
Millions of Americans suffer from gastroesophageal
reflux disease, said Bhushan H. Pandya, MD of Danville
Gastroenterology Center. "It affects their quality
of life," he said. "BRAVO makes it easier
for patients to follow their normal routines, and gives
us a more accurate measure of acid that causes discomfort
and damage."
The BRAVO system is implanted endoscopically in the
esophagus while the patient is sedated. "That's
a major benefit right there," Dr. Shiflett said.
"The way we used to do it didn't allow for sedation,
and was uncomfortable." Patients now have a vague
sense of something in their throat, but it doesn't cause
them embarrassment.
"The implant sloughs off and passes through within
36-72 hours," said Dr. Pandya. "Another benefit
of BRAVO is that it allows us to test patients over
a longer period, improving the accuracy of results."
"I'm sure many folks from as far away as Martinsville
and South Boston will also be receptive to the BRAVO
system," said Dr. Shiflett. "With proper diagnosis
the physician can offer patients appropriate treatment."
For more information about the BRAVO system, call (434)
799-WELL or (800) 799-WELL.
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