Photothermal ablation of metaplastic columnar-lined (Barrett's) esophagus experimental studies for safe endoscopic laser therapy

摘要

High grade dysplasia in columnar lined oesophagus is a premalignant condition. Yet oesophageal resection in these patients carries significant risks and is associated with considerable morbidity in often asymptomatic patients. Endoscopic photothermal ablation of these areas is possible using the laser. Three lasers were compared for the thermal destruction of superficial areas of dysplastic tissue in the oesophagus. A thermal imaging system was used to measure the depth of penetration and the thermal profile in tissue produced.