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Patients > Pancreas test
> UPMC Pancreas Clinic > ERCP > Equipment
Endoscopes
Our unit is equipped with a vast array of the latest series, state-of-the-art
Olympus and Pentax ERCP scopes, including pediatric scopes, choledochoscopes
and pancreatoscopes (see below), and prototype models. The images
from our scopes can be sent to an image recording/management system
which is used regularly to teach gastroenterologists from other
hospitals about the treatment methods available here at the UPMC
Presbyterian Pancreas and Biliary Center.
X-ray equipment
A GE digital fluoroscopy table is located within our endoscopy unit,
allowing all ERCP procedures to be performed in the endoscopy unit
rather than requiring transportation to the radiology department.
This state-of-the-art equipment allows for the high-resolution imaging
necessary to treat complicated diseases of the pancreas and bile
ducts with greater precision and safety.
Choledochoscopes and pancreatoscopes
Sometimes referred to as "mother-daughter endoscopy" or "baby scopes",
these special endoscopes are passsed through the ERCP scope like
a catheter, and are then placed directly into the bile duct or pancreas
duct. This provides a direct view of the interior of the duct itself,
so that suspected duct abnormalities may be examined in greater
detail.
Diagnostic devices
Full diagnostic capabilities are provided with the availability
of cytology brushes, biopsy needles and forceps, and prototype sampling
devices from all of the major instrument developers. We are supported
by a dedicated gastrointestinal pathology laboratory with world-renowned
GI pathologists, who provide cutting-edge diagnostic capabilities
including experimental molecular diagnostic techniques which may
allow earlier detection of GI cancers.
Therapeutic devices
Our unit boasts a full array of the latest devices for use in therapeutic
ERCP. Such devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical and
electrohydraulic lithotripters (stone-crushing instruments), stents
and drains of all types (metallic, plastic, and biodegradable),
photodynamic therapy, and a number of prototype devices, in addition
to all of the standard catheters, papillotomes, stone baskets, and
dilation balloons.
Prototype and novel devices
Our unit and physicians are continually involved with the development,
testing, and trials of novel and prototype instruments and devices.
In some cases, patients may qualify for enrollment in study protocols
which make some of these devices available for use on a patient-by-patient
basis.
Description of
ERCP
Technique
Personnel
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