Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) to treat Barrett’s Esophagus Ablation therapy is performed in conjunction with upper endoscopy. The treatment is performed in an outpatient setting and no incisions are involved. The HALO ablation technology consists of two different devices; the HALO 360 and the HALO 90 ablation catheters. The HALO 360 ablation catheter is capable of treating larger areas of circumferential Barrett’s esophagus, while the HALO 90 ablation catheter is used to treat smaller areas.
This is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. A thin outer layer of the diseased esophagus will be gently removed in each case. Over a period of 8 weeks, new healthy tissue will replace the diseased tissue. The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes and you will be sedated. This is a staged process and we do not expect to get 100% of the tissue in one sitting. This procedure is performed every 8 weeks or until the doctor deems otherwise. You are also expected to return in 12 months for an endoscopy with biopsy.
Patients may experience some chest discomfort and difficulty swallowing for several days after the procedure, both of which are managed with medications provided by the physician. In clinical trials, these symptoms typically resolved within 3-4 days. Patients are provided with anti-acid mediactiosn to promote healting of the treated esophagus and replacement of the diseased Barrett’s tissue with a normal, healthy esophagus lining.