Balloon Catheter Launched for Barrett's Esophagus Treatment

Medtronic has launched a new product to help patients with Barrett’s esophagus: the Barrx 360 Express radiofrequency ablation balloon catheter.

The device allows surgeons to provide radiofrequency ablation treatment more easily and effectively, according to Medtronic.

Radiofrequency ablation therapy can remove diseased esophageal tissue while minimizing damage to the healthy surrounding tissue. This treatment can help reduce the risk of Barrett’s esophagus with low-grade dysplasia by around 90%.

With this new product, procedural time can be lowered by up to 20%, Medtronic maintained.

"The biggest advantage of the Barrx 360 Express catheter is that it's easier to use because of the larger, longer, and adjustable balloon size," Anthony Infantolino, MD, AGAF, FACG, FACP, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, explained in a press release. "These new features provide for a reduction in surgery time and the number of catheters required during RFA [radiofrequency ablation] procedures, allowing me to concentrate on increasing the quality of the procedure."

In addition to the US launch, the Barrx 360 Express is also expected to be available in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this year.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in the United States. Barrett’s esophagus, which affects around 12 million Americans, develops from complications related to gastroesophageal reflux disease.