Post written by Hanchao Pan, MM, from the Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

A 1.4-mm diameter EUS miniprobe catheter system (20 MHz and 30 MHz) was designed and fabricated. This system can be compatible with the existing ultrathin gastroscope working channel. Miniprobe ultrasonography through the ultrathin gastroscope can be realized using a US coupling agent for endoscopy.

The insertion portion of the ultrathin gastroscope is soft and well tolerated by patients without sedation. Moreover, the thin diameter allows it to cross the narrow segment of the digestive tract and carry out pediatric gastroscopy.

However, the existing EUS miniprobe does not match the working channel of ultrathin gastroscopes, limiting its application value.

In the animal experiment, the newly developed EUS miniprobe system can be well integrated into the workflow of the ultrathin gastroscope. From the perspective of imaging effect or operation convenience, the new system is no different from the existing commercial EUS miniprobe.

Although only preclinical studies have been performed, the conclusion of this study proves that the ultrathin-diameter EUS miniprobe system is practical. Subsequent clinical studies are required to validate the conclusions of this study.

Operation steps of acoustic medium for ultrathin EGD. A, A 5F injection catheter is delivered to the target site. B, The acoustic medium is injected. C, The US miniprobe is immersed into the acoustic medium. D, US picture.

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