EndoFLIP

What is an EndoFLIP procedure?

EndoFLIP (functional luminal imaging probe) is a procedure to look for changes in your esophagus that may make it hard for you to swallow. Your esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food from your mouth to your stomach.

The EndoFLIP test measures the area inside your esophagus. It also measures how your esophagus reacts to pressure. These measurements are how healthcare providers diagnose conditions that prevent food from moving through your esophagus to your stomach.

You may have this test during an upper endoscopy. This procedure involves using an endoscope (a narrow flexible tube with a light and video camera). You’ll receive anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the test.

Gastroenterologists (specialists in gastrointestinal diseases) may use the EndoFLIP test to diagnose conditions like:

• Achalasia
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• GERD

They may also do this test as a routine follow-up if you had surgery on your esophagus.

How does the EndoFLIP procedure work?

The test involves placing a thin plastic tube (catheter) in your esophagus. A balloon with sensors covers the catheter. There are wires in the sensors. They send information about your esophagus to a data recorder.

When your gastroenterologist inflates the balloon, the sensors measure the amount of pressure in your esophagus and its diameter (the space inside it).

The pressure measurement shows if your esophagus is narrower than usual or if its walls are unusually stiff. Both changes may keep your esophagus from pushing food down to your stomach.

How do I prepare for an EndoFLIP procedure?

Your gastroenterologist will explain what you should do. In general, however, you should:

• Stop eating and drinking liquids at least four hours before your procedure
• Plan to have someone take you home (you shouldn’t drive yourself since you may still be groggy from anesthesia)

What happens during an EndoFLIP procedure?

First, an anesthesiologist gives you anesthesia through an IV. Next, your gastroenterologist:

• Slides the endoscope through your mouth into your esophagus. The endoscope has a light and a small video camera. The camera sends images of the inside of your esophagus to a monitor.
• Uses images from the endoscope to guide the EndoFLIP catheter into your esophagus.
• Slowly inflates the balloon.
• Tracks measurement data from sensors in the catheter.
• Deflates the balloon.
• Removes the EndoFLIP and endoscope.

An EndoFLIP procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Is this procedure painful?

No, it’s not. But you may feel some pressure as your gastroenterologist places an endoscope and EndoFLIP in your esophagus.

What to expect after an EndoFLIP procedure?

Your care team will take you to a recovery room. You’ll stay there while the effects of anesthesia wear off, and you can go home.

What are side effects of an EndoFLIP procedure?

The procedure rarely causes side effects. You may have a mild sore throat from having the endoscope and EndoFLIP in your throat.