Bringing real-time live feedback to esophageal dilations, but not ready for prime time

Esophageal dilation has been a cornerstone of medical practice for centuries. The use of a piece of carved whalebone for dilation in the setting of achalasia has been described since the 17th century,1 whereas use of bougienage for dilation of esophageal strictures was first reported in 1821.2 Since that time, our array of dilators has evolved significantly as more versatile materials became available and now include flexible bougies (mercury-filled or tungsten-filled Maloney and Hurst dilators), wire-guided polyvinyl Savary-Gillard dilators, through-the-scope balloon catheters, and pneumatic balloon dilators.
Source: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: New methods Source Type: research