Technical problems produced by the Bravo pH test in nonerosive reflux disease patients.

Aim: To evaluate the technical failures of the Bravo pH test in a population with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methods: Over the course of a year, we prospectively studied a population of 66 nonerosive reflux disease patients who received a Bravo pH test. The number and frequency of all technical failures were documented, quantified and analyzed.

Cold and hot snare endoscopic techniques for removal of the Bravo pH monitoring capsule.

Background: Currently, use of the Bravo capsule is a very common method for evaluating the gastroesophageal reflux because it has the advantage of being an intraesophageal catheter-free system. However, endoscopic removal of the capsule is necessary when technical problems or severe discomfort are present. Most frequently, endoscopists solve this problem by nudging the device with the tip of the endoscope to dislodge it; others have used a cold snare to produce traction on the capsule, and then tear the probe off.