Endoscopic removal of over-the-scope clips using a novel cutting device: a retrospective case series.
OBJECTIVE
Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) are extensively used for treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leakages, fistulas, and bleeding. In this report, a new method of removing OTSCs using a prototype bipolar cutting device is described.


METHODS
A total of 11 patients underwent endoscopic removal of an OTSC. The OTSC was cut at two opposing sites by a prototype device (DC ClipCutter; Ovesco Endoscopy). The remaining clip fragments were extracted using a standard forceps.


RESULTS
Mean procedure time was 47 minutes (range 35 - 75 minutes). Cutting of the OTSC at two opposing sites was successful in all cases (100 %). Complete retrieval of all clip fragments was possible in 10 patients (91 %). The overall success rate for cutting and complete removal of the clip was 91 %. No major complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Removal of OTSCs with the prototype device was feasible and effective. The device may be valuable for OTSC removal in emergency as well as elective indications.
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Arthur
A
Schmidt
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Bettina
B
Riecken
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Michael
M
Damm
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Oscar
O
Cahyadi
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Markus
M
Bauder
Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Karel
K
Caca
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments