Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring by using a wireless system: a pilot study in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
A new wireless esophageal pH monitoring device, the Bravo system, had been tested in the US with favorable results over conventional systems. However, its clinical application in eastern countries remains limited. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the Bravo system in an Asian population, and compare it with the western results.


METHODS
Thirty consecutive patients with clinically evident gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent esophageal pH monitoring by using the Bravo system. The Bravo capsule capable of measuring and transmitting pH data was introduced into the squamocolumnar junction and fixed on the esophageal mucosa through a locking pin. All patients were instructed to carry the receiver for a 48-hour study.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine (97%) of the 30 patients were successfully tested. In most cases (26/30, 87%) the capsules were placed without conscious sedation. All patients had successful capsule placement; however, two of them had failed the initial capsule attachment and required a second capsule. All patients had successful 24-hour recordings (30/30, 100%), while the successful 48-hour recording rate was 97% (29/30). A minor mucosal injury caused by inadvertent capsule extraction was the only complication (1/30, 3.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to the western experience, the new wireless pH monitoring system achieved a comparable attaching rate and recording efficacy. Potential complication was rare and self-limited.
Tu
Chia-Hung
CH
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lee
Yi-Chia
YC
Wang
Hsiu-Po
HP
Wu
Ming-Shiang
MS
Chiu
Han-Mo
HM
Lin
Jaw-Town
JT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013624:Taiwan