The Bravo™ pH Monitoring System is a catheter-free way to measure pH. pH is a measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity in the esophagus. An esophageal pH test measures how often stomach acid flows into the lower esophagus and the amount and degree of acidity during the test.
The Bravo system involves a pH capsule, about the size of a gel cap, which is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus. The Bravo™ pH Capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits readings though radio telemetry to the Bravo™ Receiver worn on the patient's waistband. The patient records symptoms he or she experiences in a diary by pressing buttons on the receiver. The capsule collects pH measurements for up to 48 hours. After the procedure, data from the receiver is uploaded to a computer and the diary information is entered for analysis to assist your doctor in diagnosis and treatment. Normal patient activities such as swallowing, eating and drinking should cause the disposable capsule to detach and pass through the digestive tract in approximately 5-7 days.
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During the bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea and lower airways.
Bronchoscopy may be used to: