Teaching EndoFLIP Impedance Planimetry to Practicing Endoscopists: An “Into the Fire” Approach to Simulation

Background. There are growing interests from practicing endoscopists to implement the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) impedance planimetry system. We present a simulation-based curriculum using an “into the fire” approach with hands-on pre- and post-tests to teach the use of this technology. Methods. The curriculum consists of a series of pre-tests, didactic content, mentored hands-on instructions, and post-tests. Pre- and post-testing included a knowledge-based written test, a confidence survey, and an assessment form specific to the hands-on performance of FLIP. Result. Twenty-two practicing physicians completed the curriculum. After course completion, participants had improved knowledge-based written test scores from 6.8±1.7 to 8.9±0.9 ( P<0.001), confidence scores from 10.0±5.9 to 22.1±2.6 ( P<0.001), and hands-on performance score from 11.4±3.4 to 23.1±2.0 ( P<0.001) with significant improvement in all components of the hands-on skills. Conclusion. Our simulation curriculum is effective in improving confidence, knowledge, and technical proficiency when teaching the use of FLIP to practicing physicians.

Building a Comprehensive Rural Anti-Reflux Center

Background Gastroesophageal disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disease. In rural areas, general surgeons perform esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) despite its low diagnostic yield. When EGD findings are equivocal, GERD patients are usually referred to tertiary hospitals for further workup. We envisaged establishing a comprehensive anti-reflux program with diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in a rural setting. Study Design This is an IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients who presented with GERD symptoms to a rural anti-reflux clinic between August 2015 and February 2021. Standardized workup included upper gastrointestinal study and EGD with concomitant wireless pH placement. High resolution impedance manometry and gastric emptying scans were selectively utilized initially, then were performed routinely. We used endoFLIP impedance planimetry system starting in February 2019. Results A total of 830 patients were evaluated. There were 537 (64.6%) females and 293 (35.4%) males. The average age was 57.7 ± 15.2 years. The average BMI was 30.8 ± 6.7 kg/m2. Approximately one-third of these patients were referred by the primary care provider (PCP) within our health system and a comparable percentage from external PCPs. Self referral was noted in 15.4% and 19.2% were referred by different specialties such as pulmonary (10.7%), surgical for large hiatal hernia (5.8%), inpatient and emergency room (2%), and gastroenterology (0.7%). Conclusion Rural surgeons with appropriate endoscopic and laparoscopic training can establish a comprehensive anti-reflux program with diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. It meets the high community need and can expand to be a regional center. The revenues generated are critical for the financial survival of rural hospitals.

Intraoperative Impedance Planimetry (ENDOFLIP)

The Endoluminal Functional Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) impedance planimetry system provides real-time three-dimensional images of gastrointestinal sphincters of interest, particularly the esophagogastric junction. This allows for real-time objective measurements during the surgical management of foregut diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux and achalasia. Literature continues to grow on how to best utilize this recent technology to improve patient outcomes. This outlines the intraoperative utilization of EndoFLIP.

Changes in impedance planimetry metrics predict clinical response to flexible endoscopy in Zenkerʼs diverticulotomy

Background and study aims Various techniques have been described for flexible endoscopic therapy for Zenkerʼs diverticulum (ZD). Objective methods to assess myotomy effectiveness are lacking. We assessed the utility of impedance planimetry in flexible endoscopic ZD therapies and correlation with a validated symptom score. Patients and methods Patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for symptomatic ZD from February 2019 to March 2020 were included. Intraprocedural impedance planimetry was performed pre- and post-myotomy to assess esophageal diameter and distensibility index (DI). Eating Assessment Tool (EAT)-10 scores were assessed preintervention and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results Thirteen patients (46 % women; mean age 80 years; 77 % peroral endoscopic myotomy technique) were included. Technical and clinical success was 100 %. No adverse events occurred. At 40 mL and 50 mL, the diameter improved (mean 2.3 mm and 2.6 mm, respectively). At 40 mL and 50 mL, the DI improved (mean 1.0 mm2/mmHg and 1.8 mm2/mmHg, respectively). EAT-10 scores improved by a mean of 15 points. Mean follow-up was 97 days. Conclusions Intraprocedural impedance planimetry may provide objective data to define success for flexible endoscopic ZD. Further research is required to corroborate these results.