Novel therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Development of Novel Balloon-Integrated Optical Catheter for Endoscopic and Circumferential Laser Application

The current study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel balloon-integrated optical catheter (BIOC) to achieve endoscopic laser application for circumferential coagulation of a tubular tissue structure. Both optical and thermal numerical simulations were developed to predict the propagation of laser light and a spatio-temporal distribution of temperature in tissue. Ex vivo esophagus tissue was tested with 980 nm laser light at 30 W for 90 s for quantitative evaluations. In vivo porcine models were used to validate the performance of BIOC for circumferential and endoscopic laser coagulation of esophagus in terms of acute tissue responses post-irradiation. Optical simulations confirmed that a diffusing applicator was able to generate a circumferential light distribution in a tubular tissue structure. Both numerical and experimental results presented that the maximum temperature elevation occurred at 3-5 mm (muscle layer) below the mucosa surface after 90 s irradiation. In vivo tests confirmed the circumferential delivery of laser light to a deep muscle layer as well as no evidence of thermal damage to the esophageal mucosa. The proposed BIOC can be a feasible optical device to provide circumferential laser irradiation as well as endoscopic coagulation of tubular esophagus tissue for clinical applications.

Feasibility Study on Endoscopic Balloon-Assisted Laser Treatment (EBLT) of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in In Vivo Porcine Model

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been growing globally, with an increasing burden on the healthcare system due to multiple factors, such as aging and obesity. The current study evaluated the feasibility of endoscopic balloon-assisted laser treatment (EBLT) in a porcine model. GERD was initially developed in three animals via botulinum toxin injection into lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A week after the injection, the EBLT was performed on the GERD-developed models (control = 1 vs. treated = 2). A dose of 30 W of 980 nm laser light was endoscopically applied for 90 s to the LES. Both endoscopic ultrasound and manometry were performed before and after the EBLT. After 12 weeks, esophageal tissues were extracted and prepared for histological analysis. The maximum mucosa temperature was below 50 °C during the EBLT. Compared to control, the treated group yielded thicker and shorter LES muscle layers and maintained LES pressure. Through histology, the EBLT reinforced the muscularis layer with preserved mucosa and mild remodeling of the intermuscular collagen in the LES. The current study demonstrated the feasibility of EBLT as a new endoscopic approach for GERD. Further studies will examine the EBLT in a larger number of animals to warrant efficacy and safety for clinical translations.