HALO Ablation System for Barrett’s Esophagus

What is the HALO Ablation Procedure?

Barrett’s has traditionally been managed with frequent endoscopic biopsy surveillance.  However, a more proactive treatment is now available at Placentia-Linda Hospital, through the use of ablation which uses electrical energy to remove the diseased layer of cells from the esophagus.  This option may eliminate the disease before it has the opportunity to progress to cancer.

The new ablation technology, called the HALO system can remove a thin layer of diseased tissue and allow the re-growth of normal cells without injuring the underlying tissue.   The ablation procedure, which typically takes less than half an hour, is performed without incisions using conscious sedation in an outpatient setting in our new G.I. Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital.  Using a catheter, the physician directs the HALO System down the throat to the diseased area of the esophagus.  The HALO energy generator is activated to deliver a short burst of ablative energy, which removes a very thin layer of the diseased esophagus. 

For more information, please call 1-87-PLH-GILAB (1-877-544-4522) today!

Source:  New England Journal of Medicine, Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett’s Esophagus with Dysplasia, May 28, 2009