Comprehensive Esophageal Health Center opens with more convenient, streamlined care
A novel testing and treatment option for esophageal and gastric disorders is available at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Referred to collectively as FLIP (functional lumen imaging probe) technology, these advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools use a specialized catheter with a hydraulic balloon that’s inserted through the mouth. EndoFLIP allows accurate measurement and pressure testing of esophageal and pyloric function, while EsoFLIP is used to dilate or stretch the esophagus or stomach. Both provide direct visualization and eliminate the need for X-ray or radiation.
“When appropriate, we can perform both EndoFLIP and EsoFLIP under anesthesia during the same 40-minute session to screen individuals in real time and provide more effective treatment or symptom management,” says Subhankar Chakraborty, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist and clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, who performs FLIP therapies at Ohio State’s multidisciplinary esophageal treatment center. “That allows patients to go home the same day after just a brief recovery period with not only a diagnosis, but treatment.”
For esophageal disorders
EndoFLIP can assess esophageal motility, as well as the function of the upper or lower esophageal sphincter. As Dr. Chakraborty explains, EndoFLIP is a useful diagnostic tool for those with symptoms like dysphagia and non-cardiac chest pain.
“Because it measures esophageal diameter and identifies hidden areas of narrowing, or stenosis, it’s also beneficial for conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis, and it can be used to evaluate the effect of medications on esophageal motility,” he says. “It offers a minimally invasive option for treatment of swallowing disorders like achalasia and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction.”
For gastric disorders
“Patients with gastroparesis or suspected pyloric sphincter stenosis can benefit from pyloric EndoFLIP, which measures the pyloric sphincter’s function,” Dr. Chakraborty says. “If a tight sphincter is detected, EsoFLIP can dilate up to 30 millimeters, compared to 20 millimeters with conventional balloons, making it an excellent option for treating pyloric sphincter tightness in some patients with medically refractory gastroparesis symptoms.”
Researching the benefits
Ohio State is also advancing research on FLIP technology through two large patient registries.
“These databases include more than 450 patients with pre- and post-FLIP symptom documentation, functional GI test results, imaging findings and medication histories,” Dr. Chakraborty says. “By prospectively enrolling patients, we aim to deepen our understanding of how FLIP explains gastroesophageal symptoms and assesses response to therapy.”
In addition to exploring novel treatment strategies for functional GI disorders, Dr. Chakraborty’s lab also focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying chronic GI symptoms like nausea and constipation and exploring whether art, music and other holistic modalities can be effective in improving symptoms, mental health and quality of life in patients suffering from chronic functional GI disorders.
If you have questions about FLIP procedures, please contact Dr. Chakraborty at subhankar.chakraborty@osumc.edu. You can also explore his research initiatives and the studies currently recruiting on the Chakraborty Lab webpage at u.osu.edu/chakrabortylab/.
