Albany Gastroenterology Consultants, P.C.

Liver, Biliary & Pancreatic Center

Lab Services (Coming Soon)

BRAVO pH™ Monitoring

The Bravo pH™ Monitoring System is a catheter-free system used to measure esophageal pH (acidity) levels in patients who have or are suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

The Bravo system provides your physician with data representative of your day-to-day activities versus traditional pH monitoring methods due to the fact that you are able to maintain a normal diet and activity level during testing.

The Bravo system consists of a small pH capsule about the size of a gelcap that is attached to the wall of the esophagus and transmits data to a receiver. You will wear a pager-sized receiver that will receive pH data from the Bravo capsule. Your gastroenterologist will place the Bravo pH capsule in the endoscopy unit at St. Peter’s Hospital. After the capsule is positioned suction is applied drawing a small amount of esophageal mucosa into the well of the capsule. A tiny locking pin within the capsule is advanced, penetrating the mucosa, thus attaching the capsule. The delivery system is then withdrawn.

The capsule is left in place to begin pH monitoring. Esophageal pH data is transmitted via radio telemetry signals to the external pager-sized receiver for up to 48 hours. After the test is completed, data from the receiver is downloaded to a computer for analysis by your physician and a report is generated.

Following the study, normal functions such as swallowing and passage of food will cause the disposable capsule to slough off and pass through your digestive tract to be expelled.

Restrictions for using the Bravo pH capsule include patients with pacemakers, defibrillators or neuro-stimulators. Patients who have a history of bleeding disorders, strictures, severe esophagitis, esophageal varices and esophageal or intestinal obstruction are not candidates for the Bravo system.

Albany Gastroenterology Consultants, P.C.

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