Spyglass Technology – Voyage to the Digestive Tract
Visualizes problems in liver, bile ducts & pancreas - ranging from gallstones to cancer
WHAT: A new technology called the Spyglass Direct Visualization System debuted in June at St. Joseph Medical Center, where it is being used in the Digestive Disease Center. Although Spyglass sounds like something from a James Bond movie, the new technology provides a bird’s eye view of the complex ducts of the digestive tract.
It can help diagnose problems of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas – troubleshooting conditions ranging from gallstones to cancer, explained Dr. Andrew Rosenstein, gastroenterologist.
“Not only does Spyglass make diagnosis easier, “Patients who may have required surgery in the past for the management of large bile duct stones can be treated safely and effectively using electro-hydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy under direct visualization with SpyGlass,” said Dr. Joshua Forman, gastroenterologist
The SpyGlass Direct Visualization System consists of a single-use, single-operator controlled, four-channel catheter that is introduced into the biliary tree and pancreas to provide a pathway for diagnostic and therapeutic devices. An optic channel permits the introduction of 6000 pixel fiber optic probe. An accessory channel accommodates biopsy forceps and laser and lithotripsy probes for treatment of gallstones. The other two channels allow for irrigation to ensure adequate visualization. The tip of the catheter has 4-way steering capabilities to allow directed inspection and biopsy acquisition.
SpyGlass is especially useful in the evaluation of suspected malignancies, bile duct strictures, cystic lesions of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, and in the treatment of large bile duct stones.
WHO: Dr. Joshua Forman, gastroenterologist, St. Joseph Medical Center
Dr. Andrew Rosenstein, gastroenterologist, St. Joseph Medical Center
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St. Joseph Medical Center is a 345-bed nonprofit, regional medical center at 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, Md., and a member of Catholic Health Initiatives. Founded in 1864 by the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Joseph has been recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” as one of America’s best orthopaedic facilities and is a nationally ranked Top 100 heart hospital. For more information about St. Joseph Medical Center, visit www.sjmcmd.org.
