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Background: En-bloc resection of large, flat dysplastic mucosal lesions of the luminal GI tract can be challenging. In order to improve the efficacy of resection for lesions ≥2 cm and to optimize R0 resection rates of lesions suspected of harboring high-grade dysplasia or early adenocarcinoma, a novel grasp and snare EMR technique utilizing a novel over the scope additional accessory channel, termed EMR Plus (EMR+), was developed. The aim of this pilot study is to describe the early safety and efficacy data from the first in human clinical cases., Methods: A novel external over-the-scope additional working channel (AWC) (Ovesco, Tuebingen, Germany) was utilized for the EMR+ procedure, allowing a second endoscopic device to be used through the AWC while using otherwise standard endoscopic equipment. The EMR+ technique allows tissue retraction and a degree of triangulation during endoscopic resection. We performed EMR+ procedure in 6 patients between 02/2018-12/2018 for lesions in the upper and lower GI tract., Results: The EMR+ technique utilizing the AWC was performed successfully in 6 resection procedures of the upper and/or lower GI tract in 6 patients in 2 endoscopy centers. All resections were performed successfully with the EMR+ technique, all achieving an R0 resection. No severe adverse events occurred in any of the procedures., Conclusions: The EMR+ technique, utilizing an additional working channel, had an acceptable safety and efficacy profile in this preliminary study demonstrating it's first use in humans. This technique may allow an additional option to providers to remove complex, large mucosal-based lesions in the GI tract using standard endoscopic equipment and a novel AWC device.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a newer field of endoscopic surgery that allows for scarless treatment of pathologic entities, using novel transluminal approaches. There has been a shift of focus from a clinical and research standpoint from the development and dissemination of "first-generation" NOTES procedures to "new NOTES" procedures that traverse the mucosa of luminal structures, yet do not stray far into the peritoneal cavity. It has been a challenge to find appropriate and effective ways to train gastroenterologists and surgeons in these novel approaches. We review the importance of simulation in training and discuss available simulation options., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A prototype endoscope was designed to improve visualization and dissection of tissue with the use of 2 working channels with different deflections., Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and operability of a prototype endoscope in comparison with a conventional double-channel endoscope for rectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)., Design: Randomized, prospective, controlled, ex vivo study., Setting: Academic medical center., Methods: A total of 80 standardized artificial lesions measuring 3 × 3 cm were created approximately 5 cm from the anal verge in fresh ex vivo porcine colorectal specimens. Two endoscopists each completed 20 cases with the prototype endoscope and 20 cases with the conventional endoscope., Main Outcome Measurements: An independent observer recorded procedure time, specimen size, en bloc resection, and perforation rate., Results: For the ESD novice, the mean submucosal dissection time (10.5 ± 3.8 vs 14.9 ± 7.3 minutes; P = .024) and total procedure time (18.1 ± 5.2 vs 23.6 ± 8.2 minutes; P = .015) were significantly shorter in the prototype group in comparison with the conventional group. For the ESD expert, there was no significant difference between the mean circumferential resection, submucosal dissection, and total procedure time (prototype group 14.2 ± 6.0 minutes, conventional group 14.2 ± 8.8 minutes; P = .992). The overall perforation and en bloc resection rates were not significantly different between groups., Limitations: Ex vivo study., Conclusion: In this ex vivo prospective comparison study, there was a technical advantage for the ESD novice with the prototype endoscope that resulted in a shorter procedure time, which was not observed for cases performed by the ESD expert., (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A novel, over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system may be suitable for closure of various GI perforations. The strength and maximum diameter of closure for a single OTSC, however, are unknown., Objective: To determine the maximum closure capacity (diameter) and pressure threshold for a single OTSC., Design: Prospective ex-vivo study., Setting: Academic medical center., Method: Full-thickness, standardized defects of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm were created in porcine stomachs. Similarly, full-thickness defects of 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 35 mm were created in porcine colons. A single OTSC was endoscopically deployed 5 times for each full-thickness defect size in an ex-vivo endoscopic simulator., Main Outcome Measurements: Each closure site was tested under water with compressed air for burst pressure., Results: We achieved successful closure in all stomach defects ranging from 5 to 20 mm by using 12-mm OTSCs with short teeth and colon defects ranging from 10 to 30 mm with 14-mm OTSCs with short teeth. Mean (± standard deviation [SD]) burst pressures for the gastric closure sites were 74.9 ± 17.5 mm Hg for 15-mm defects, 49.3 ± 21.6 mm Hg for 20-mm defects, and 15.2 ± 4.1 mm Hg for 25-mm defects. Mean (± SD) burst pressures for the colon closure sites were 117.9 ± 40.1 mm Hg for 20-mm defects, 57.4 ± 4.2 mm Hg for 30-mm defects, and 10.9 ± 7.6 mm Hg for 35-mm defects., Limitations: Ex-vivo study, does not reflect difficult locations., Conclusion: Full-thickness tissue defects ranging from 5 to 20 mm in the stomach and from 10 to 30 mm in the colon can be closed adequately with a single OTSC in an ex-vivo experimental setting. Tissue defects larger than 20 mm in the stomach and 30 mm in the colon may require more than one OTSC or supplemental endoclips to achieve adequate closure. Endoscopic inspection of the closure site does not assure adequate closure of larger perforations., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)