Functional Lumen Imaging Probe

Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP) is a test used to evaluate the function of the esophagus, by measuring the dimensions of the esophageal lumen using impedance planimetry. Typically performed with sedation during upper endoscopy, FLIP is used to evaluate for esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, etc.[1]

Functional Lumen Imaging Probe
Other namesFLIP

Procedure

FLIP is most often performed immediately following upper endoscopy (EGD).[1] EGD helps to rule out a mechanical obstruction as a cause for symptoms, and also provides an estimation on the distance from the incisors to the EGJ.[1]

FLIP uses impedance planimetry to measure the cross sectional area of the esophageal lumen.[1] The FLIP device consists of a balloon that encases a catheter with multiple pairs of impedance electrodes. Two catheter configurations are available, which are 8 cm and 16 cm in length. The 8 cm catheter includes 16 sensors spaced 0.5 cm apart, and is used to evaluate esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility and CSA.[1] Alternatively, the 16 cm catheter has 16 sensors spaced 1 cm apart, and may be used to evaluate contractility via secondary peristalsis patterns, in addition to evaluating the esophagogastric junction (EGJ).[1]

Following upper endoscopy, the balloon is inserted into the esophagus and the balloon is distended with a fluid with known properties (e.g. conductivity and volume).[1] Each electrode then measure impedance, and a single pressure sensor at the end of the device measures pressure within the balloon.[1]

Results

The distensibility index is the most studied and most helpful result obtained with FLIP testing.[1] The normal distensibility index (DI) ranges from 3.1 to 9.0 mm2 per mmHg.[1] As the balloon is distended, the results of secondary esophageal secondary contractions may be seen via FLIP panometry.[1] Possible results may include: repetitive anterograde contractions (a normal finding), repetitive retrograde contractions (abnormal), absent contractility, and other abnormalities.[1]

Indications

FLIP may be used for several indications to evaluate esophageal symptoms, such as dysphagia, chest pain, or regurgitation, or to assess response to treatment. FLIP is used to evaluate for esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, etc.[1] FLIP may be used as a complementary or alternative to esophageal manometry for evaluating esophageal outflow obstructive disorders, including achalasia. FLIP may be used as a complementary test for barium esophagram for evaluating esophageal outflow obstructive disorders. FLIP may be used to assess the effect of treatment for achalasia.

FLIP measurements may be used to guide intraoperative reflux surgery, or to assess the degree of fibrostenotic disease from eosinophilic esophagitis.[1][2] FLIP may be used to guide endoscopic dilation of esophageal strictures.[1]

While recommendations exist for its use, the evidence supporting the use of FLIP is of very low quality and further research would be useful in more clearly defining its role.[3][4]

History

Early development of impedence planimetry for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract began in the 1980s.[5] FLIP was first developed with a short balloon catheter, which measures distension across the esophagogastric junction.[6] A second generation device was later released, which measures secondary peristalsis proximal to the EGJ.[6]

See also

References
  1. Savarino, E; di Pietro, M; Bredenoord, AJ; Carlson, DA; Clarke, JO; Khan, A; Vela, MF; Yadlapati, R; Pohl, D; Pandolfino, JE; Roman, S; Gyawali, CP (November 2020). "Use of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe in Clinical Esophagology". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 115 (11): 1786–1796. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000773. PMID 33156096.
  2. Hirano, I; Pandolfino, JE; Boeckxstaens, GE (March 2017). "Functional Lumen Imaging Probe for the Management of Esophageal Disorders: Expert Review From the Clinical Practice Updates Committee of the AGA Institute". Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 15 (3): 325–334. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2016.10.022. PMC 5757507. PMID 28212976.
  3. Massey, BT (November 2020). "Clinical Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Testing in Esophageal Disorders: A Need for Better Quality Evidence". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 115 (11): 1799–1801. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000974. PMID 33156098.
  4. Massey, BT (10 July 2020). "Flip Technology for Assessing Esophageal Structural and Motor Disorders: a Skeptic's View". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 22 (9): 44. doi:10.1007/s11894-020-00782-2. PMID 32651682. S2CID 220462184.
  5. Gregersen, H; Lo, KM (30 April 2018). "What Is the Future of Impedance Planimetry in Gastroenterology?". Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 24 (2): 166–181. doi:10.5056/jnm18013. PMC 5885717. PMID 29605974.
  6. DeVault, KR (December 2019). "Functional luminal imaging probe: an evolving technology for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders". Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 90 (6): 924–925. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2019.08.025. PMID 31759418.
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