A microsystem for in vivo wireless monitoring of plastic biliary stents using magnetoelastic sensors.

With an interest in monitoring the patency of stents that are used to treat strictures in the bile duct, this paper reports the investigation of a wireless sensing system to interrogate a microsensor integrated into the stent. The microsensor is comprised of a 28-μm-thick magnetoelastic foil with 8.25-mm length and 1-mm width.

Prospective Study Assessing Impact of Ethylene Oxide Sterilization on Endoscopic Ultrasound Image Quality.

Background & Aims: Duodenoscope-associated transmission of infections has raised questions about efficacy of endoscope reprocessing using high-level disinfection (HLD). Although ethylene oxide (ETO) gas sterilization is effective in eradicating microbes, the impact of ETO on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging equipment remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to compare the changes in EUS image quality associated with HLD vs HLD followed by ETO sterilization.

Development and initial validation of an instrument for video-based assessment of technical skill in ERCP.

Background And Aims: The accurate measurement of technical skill in ERCP is essential for endoscopic training, quality assurance, and coaching of this procedure. Hypothesizing that technical skill can be measured by analysis of ERCP videos, we aimed to develop and validate a video-based ERCP skill assessment tool.

Methods: Based on review of procedural videos, the task of ERCP was deconstructed into its basic components by an expert panel that developed an initial version of the Bethesda ERCP Skill Assessment Tool (BESAT).