Study comparing enteroscopy technologies finds SE quicker than DBE for examining small intestine

Spirus Medical, Inc., a leading developer of diagnostic and therapeutic advancement systems for gastroenterology, announced at Digestive Disease Week 2010 that results from the first-ever prospective study comparing enteroscopy technologies show spiral enteroscopy (SE) to be more than three times faster, on average, than double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in examining the small intestine.

Average total examination time was only 27 minutes when performed with spiral enteroscopy, versus 86 minutes with DBE.

Led by Dr. Andreas Adler of the Charite Medical University of Berlin and colleagues from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, the study of 42 patients was conducted from August 2008 to September 2009.  Patients were prospectively randomized and evaluated on the simplicity, safety and efficiency of spiral enteroscopy compared to double-balloon enteroscopy.  Twenty patients were examined with SE (15 oral, 5 anal), and 22 patients were examined with DBE (16 oral, 6 anal).  

The study also found positioning with SE to be more stable than DBE when used to collect samples from the small bowel or to perform therapy.  Similar insertion depths were achieved with the two procedures, with SE and DBE on average reaching 284 centimeters and 272 cm, respectively, between the Ligament of Treitz and the ileocecal valve.  Patients under both procedures showed the same level of relative comfort during exams.  Findings were presented at this year's German Society for Endoscopy & Imaging conference in Hannover.

Indications for enteroscopy of the small intestine are rising mainly due to findings from capsule endoscopy, a diagnostic-only  procedure.  However, reaching the deep ileum with an endoscope had been a challenge.  The Spirus Endo-EaseDiscovery® SB system is an overtube with an outer spiral that has been in use worldwide since 2008.  The product's patented spiral feature promotes easier advancement of an endoscope, which helps physicians examine and treat upper and lower GI disorders.  

"This first-ever prospective study shows clearly that spiral enteroscopy can achieve the same insertion depths as DBE but much more quickly, which means higher efficiency  for physicians and a better treatment experience for patients," said Dr. Adler.  "Spirus' Endo-Ease Discovery SB system is not only meeting but overcoming the challenges endoscopists have traditionally faced when evaluating the small bowel."

Spirus Medical is exhibiting at Digestive Disease Week for the fourth straight year, and in addition to Endo-Ease Discovery SB will also be showcasing its latest technology, including a self-advancing endoscope.  Spirus is located at booth #2235.

SOURCE Spirus Medical, Inc.