Preparing for Reflux Testing
BravoTM Reflux Testing System: A simple way to evaluate your gastroesophageal reflux symptoms
WHY TEST FOR GERD?
Do you have frequent indigestion or a burning sensation in the center of your chest? Do you regularly get sour or bitter-tasting fluids in your throat or mouth? Do you avoid lying flat or bending over to prevent acid from backing up into your throat?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, especially if your symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your daily routine, you might have chronic (more than once per week) heartburn.
Frequent or chronic heartburn may be associated with a more serious problem known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Damage caused by GERD can lead to more serious medical problems such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), and Barrett’s esophagus.
The BravoTM reflux testing system is a minimally invasive test for the evaluation of heartburn or related symptoms. Your doctor will analyze the results from this test to determine what is causing your symptoms and the treatment to prescribe for you.
HOW IT WORKS
After administering local anesthesia, your physician will place a BravoTM reflux capsule into your esophagus using a delivery device. The test involves a miniature pH capsule, approximately the size of a gel cap, which is temporarily attached to the wall of your esophagus.
Throughout the test period, the BravoTM reflux capsule will measure the pH in your esophagus and transmit this information to the BravoTM reflux recorder, worn on your belt or wristband just like a mobile phone. Once the BravoTM reflux capsule has been placed and you have been instructed how to use the BravoTM reflux recorder, you can leave your physician’s office and go about your normal activities.
Once the test has been completed, you will need to return to the recorder according to your physician’s office’s instructions so that your test data can be downloaded for analysis. The information will be analyzed by your physician to diagnose your condition.
Patient-friendly reflux testing
- Monitors symptoms during your regular activities
- Convenient, discreet design makes testing nearly invisible to the outside world
WHAT TO EXPECT
The capsule takes only moments to place in the esophagus. Then, the test period lasts 48 to 96 hours, depending on what your physician requests. After placement, the capsule communicates with the recorder wirelessly (meaning no tube or wire remains in your nose or mouth).
Some patients say they have a vague sensation that “something” is in their esophagus. Some patients say they feel the capsule when they eat or when food passes the capsule. Should you experience this, chewing food carefully and drinking liquids may minimize this sensation.
Your physician's office will instruct you on how to use the BravoTM reflux recorder and when and where to return the equipment. You will be given a diary to write down the times when you have reflux symptoms (coughing, heartburn, regurgitation), when you eat, and when you lie down.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of the BravoTM reflux testing system?
The BravoTM reflux testing system is wireless, making it convenient and discrete, so you are free to move about as long as you stay within three feet, or approximately one meter, of your recorder. You can bathe and get a restful night’s sleep because you can place the recorder outside the shower or on your nightstand, and the test will not be interrupted.
This test also allows for the evaluation of acid reflux and symptoms either on or off reflux medication, depending on your physician’s recommendation.
Will the test restrict my diet and activities?
No. One of the added benefits of the BravoTM reflux capsule is that it is so small that you may eat normally and go about your daily routine.
What happens after the test?
After the test is complete, the disposable BravoTM reflux capsule falls off the wall of your esophagus and passes naturally with your bowel movement through your digestive tract. The data captured on the BravoTM reflux recorder during the procedure will be downloaded to a computer and your physician will view the test result.
