Ablation is a technique that destroys precancerous or unwanted tissue.
Physicians have used various forms of ablation for nearly a century to treat a number of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions, as well as to control bleeding. The HALO ablation technology is a very specific type of ablation, in which heat energy is delivered in a precise and highly-controlled manner.
Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition affecting the lining of the esophagus — a very thin tissue well-suited to being removed with ablative energy. Delivery of ablative energy with HALO ablation technology is capable of achieving complete removal of the diseased tissue without damage to the normal underlying structures. Clinical studies have shown that Barrett’s tissue can be completely eliminated with the HALO ablation technology in 98.4 percent of patients.
How does Barrett’s esophagus develop?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder in which stomach acid and enzymes cause injury to the esophageal lining, producing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and chest pain. In some patients with GERD, the normal esophagus cells are damaged. Over time, this damage can result in inflammation and genetic changes that cause the cells to become altered. The tissue takes on a different appearance and microscopically is no longer esophageal tissue, but rather becomes intestinal tissue. This is called "intestinal metaplasia" or Barrett’s esophagus.
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