A new endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) device offers a minimally invasive alternative to esophagectomy in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The Captivator EMR system has been specifically designed for ligation-assisted EMR of the upper GI via an access port that provides physicians with enhanced visualization, control, and easy passage of 7Fr tools, such as the Interject sclerotherapy needle and the Resolution clip for prophylacix following resection. The system includes a captivator snare and band ligator to snare either above or below the band; and a pathology kit enables histological processing of tissue samples for staging and removal of precancerous tissue during an endoscopic outpatient procedure.

The system has been specifically designed to provide physicians with a 360 degree unobstructed peripheral view and complete visualization of the diseased area when performing resections, thanks to a band ligator cap that does not obstruct the ligator bands. The device handle provides a tactile and audible feedback to signal when a band has deployed. The Captivator EMR system is a product of Boston Scientific (Natick, MA, USA) and it is available in the United States, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and Puerto Rico.

“The Captivator EMR device provides improved endoscopic visualization, so the resection can be better directed to the area of interest,” said professor of gastrointestinal endoscopy Jacques Bergman, MD, of University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands). “The enhanced view, along with easy passage of accessory devices and the ability to use compatible hemostatic devices to manage potential bleeding and complications may enable a safer endoscopic resection.”

“As a leader in GI endoscopic devices, this launch complements our existing product offering for lower GI EMR procedures, and expands our portfolio into the growing upper GI EMR segment,” said David Pierce, senior vice president and president of endoscopy at Boston Scientific. “The Captivator EMR Device provides physicians and patients with an important new option for staging and treating early esophageal neoplasia and cancer.”

EMR was first developed in Japan for the treatment of early gastric cancer and has since spread in use throughout the world for various indications, including dysplastic Barrett mucosa and sessile colonic neoplasms.

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