Multicenter comparative trial of the V-scope system for therapeutic ERCP.
OBJECTIVE
A new duodenoscope (the V-scope), with a modified elevator used in combination with a dedicated short guide wire, constitutes the V-system. This system is intended to allow fixation of the guide wire at the elevator lever, thereby enhancing the speed and reliability of accessory exchange over a guide wire during ERCP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which the V-system provides improved efficiency in comparison with conventional duodenoscope and guide wire combinations.


METHODS
This was an industry-sponsored multicenter randomized trial. Patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in which treatment was anticipated were randomly assigned to the V-system or to a conventional duodenoscope and accessories used routinely in each center. The parameters recorded included the total case time, fluoroscopy time, catheter/guide wire exchange time, guide wire repositioning, loss of guide wire access, and success or failure of guide wire fixation when using the V-system.


RESULTS
Fifty patients were included, 22 in the conventional group and 28 in the V-system group. A total of 135 exchanges were carried out. The patients had up to six exchanges. The median exchange time was 19.4 s with the V-system and 31.7 s with the conventional systems ( P < 0.001). Guide wire repositioning was required less often in the V-system group ( P = 0.0005). The V-system effectively locked the guide wire in 63 of 71 exchanges (89 %). Loss of guide wire access occurred in two patients in the conventional group and four in the V-system group, attributable to failure to lock the guide wire early during the experience (no significant differences).


CONCLUSIONS
The V-system can effectively secure the guide wire during accessory exchange in ERCP and reduces the time required to exchange accessories. This may enhance overall efficiency during ERCP.
Joyce
A M
AM
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Ahmad
N A
NA
Beilstein
M C
MC
Kochman
M L
ML
Long
W B
WB
Baron
T
T
Sherman
S
S
Fogel
E
E
Lehman
G A
GA
McHenry
L
L
Watkins
J
J
Ginsberg
G G
GG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020698:Duodenoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged