What is a Bravo in medical terms?
Bravo esophageal pH monitoring is a minimally invasive test that evaluates whether acid from the stomach is refluxing into the esophagus and causing various symptoms. It requires attachment of a small monitoring device onto the esophageal wall during an endoscopic procedure called upper endoscopy or EGD.
What does Bravo test show?
The BRAVO® pH test measures the amount of acidity (pH) in the esophagus. This helps doctors diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For this test, a clinician will adhere a small recording device called a BRAVO capsule to the esophagus to monitor how much acid is flowing backward from the stomach.
Does the Bravo test hurt?
Will it hurt? Typically, patients do not feel anything throughout the procedure. Very rarely a patient may experience vague chest discomfort, which usually subsides when the capsule falls off the esophageal wall.
How long does Bravo procedure take?
This usually takes 60 seconds. Throughout the test period, which lasts 48 to 96 hours, the Bravo capsule will measure the pH in your esophagus and transmit this information to the Bravo reflux recorder, a small device that you will wear on your belt or waistband as you would a mobile phone.
How do you remove Bravo pH capsule?
Most frequently, endoscopists solve this problem by nudging the device with the tip of the endoscope to dislodge it; others have used a cold snare to produce traction on the capsule, and then tear the probe off.
What are the side effects of Bravo capsule?
In some patients, the capsule will fail to detach from the esophagus after the test has ended. Bleeding, tears in the mucosa and capsule aspiration can also occur. Some patients also experience fever, infection, high blood pressure, and respiratory or cardiac arrest.
How much does Bravo procedure cost?
A complete Bravo system costs around $25 704. A single-use Bravo capsule with delivery device costs $225 compared to the conventional transnasal pH catheter which costs $62.
How long does it take for Bravo capsule to dislodge?
The pH capsule is attached by deploying a locking pin that is passed through the esophageal mucosa and pulled by suction into a small cup in the side of the capsule. Typically, the capsule sloughs spontaneously from the mucosa within 2 weeks and passes uneventfully through the GI tract.
How long does Bravo capsule stay attached?
Your specialist will attach the Bravo capsule to the lower esophagus. It will remain here for about five to seven days. It then will fall off and pass through your digestive track.