Ablative Therapies

Various techniques of ablation therapy are used for treating Barrett's Esophagus including: Multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC), argon plasma coagulation (APC), photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiofrequency ablation (RF) and cryoablation (CF). The goal of these therapies is to destroy the abnormal Barrett's Esophagus mucosa followed by re-growth of normal squamous mucosa while the patient takes medications that block acid production in the stomach.

Photodynamic therapy involves the injection of a light sensitizing drug and use of a red light laser passed through the endoscope to activate the medication in the abnormal Barrett's esophagus mucosa to destroy the tissue.

Radiofrequency energy coagulation involves placing a device down the esophagus to destroy abnormal mucosa. Read more

Multipolar electrocoagulation and argon plasma coagulation burn off the Barrett's esophagus mucosa with devices that are passed through a channel of the endoscope to treat the abnormal area.

Cryoablation destroys the abnormal Barrett’s esophagus mucosa by exposing those cells to extreme cold.