Covidien study shows benefits of Barrett’s oesophagus therapy technique

Covidien has announced the results from a clinical trial showing the benefits its Barrx RF Ablation System can provide in the treatment of Barrett's oesophagus.

Data from the Surf study showed that patients receiving endoscopic ablation therapy using the Barrx RF system experienced a 94 percent relative risk reduction in disease progression compared to those in a control group.

Barrett's oesophagus is a pre-cancerous oesophageal condition that develops as a result of chronic injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease, putting patients at a higher risk of contracting throat cancer.

Dr David Utley, chief medical officer for Covidien's gastrointestinal solutions division, said: "This trial adds very important new information to the management algorithm for patients with Barrett's oesophagus containing confirmed low-grade dysplasia."

Last week, the company also announced that its superDimension Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy system has been included in the new American College of Chest Physicians guidelines to aid in diagnosing and managing lung cancer.