Barton Health Offers Advanced Diagnostic Screening for Acid-Reflux and GERD
Dr. W. Reid Shepard
(South Lake Tahoe, Calif.) – Barton Health offers Bravo pH Monitoring, a minimally invasive procedure to aid in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Used in tandem with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a traditional evaluation technique, the Bravo pH monitoring system enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the severity of GERD and the most appropriate treatment options.
GERD is a chronic condition characterized by the repeated flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus — the tube that connects your throat and stomach. GERD can manifest as frequent heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or waking up with a sore throat or cough. This condition produces chronic discomfort, anxiety around eating, potential complications, and can adversely impact both physical and mental well-being.
“Many people experience acid-reflux, a precursor to GERD, after special holiday meals, where they are exposed to foods that increase stomach acid production, or irritate the esophagus, including acidic, spicy, fatty, and citrus-rich foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol,” said Dr. W. Reid Shepard, board-certified general surgeon. “This presents a strategic time to assess GERD symptoms and patterns so that a provider may design an effective treatment plan.”
The Bravo pH monitoring system, a small wireless probe, is a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that can be implanted during an EGD to further investigate the upper digestive tract. During an EGD, a surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a tiny camera into the esophagus, stomach, and digestive system. This diagnostic procedure helps identify any abnormalities, such as inflammation or damage caused by acid reflux.
The Bravo pH system goes a step further by measuring the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes over a 48-96 hour period, providing crucial information for treatment options and management strategies for GERD. The capsule holding the system dissolves and is evacuated by your digestion system so there is no need to have it removed.
“Living with GERD can be challenging, but with a well-designed treatment plan, you can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life,” said Dr. Shepard.
Barton Health provides high-quality, compassionate care to the Lake Tahoe community, offering comprehensive care with a wide range of outpatient medical services and the latest innovations in medical technology, including the Mako SmartRoboticsTM joint replacement surgical system, the Bioness Vector Elite Gait and Safety System used in patient rehabilitation, the da Vinci Xi surgical system, the latest in robotic-assisted surgery, and Breast MRI and 3D Mammograms to aid in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.
For more information, visit BartonHealth.org.
