Background and study aims: A new duodenoscope (the V-scope), with a modified elevator used in combination with
a dedicated short guide wire, constitutes the V-system. This system is intended to
allow fixation of the guide wire at the elevator lever, thereby enhancing the speed
and reliability of accessory exchange over a guide wire during ERCP. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the extent to which the V-system provides improved efficiency
in comparison with conventional duodenoscope and guide wire combinations.Patients and methods: This was an industry-sponsored multicenter randomized trial. Patients undergoing
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in which treatment
was anticipated were randomly assigned to the V-system or to a conventional duodenoscope
and accessories used routinely in each center. The parameters recorded included the
total case time, fluoroscopy time, catheter/guide wire exchange time, guide wire repositioning,
loss of guide wire access, and success or failure of guide wire fixation when using
the V-system.
Results: Fifty patients were included, 22 in the conventional group and 28 in the V-system
group. A total of 135 exchanges were carried out. The patients had up to six exchanges.
The median exchange time was 19.4 s with the V-system and 31.7 s with the conventional
systems (P < 0.001). Guide wire repositioning was required less often in the V-system group (P = 0.0005). The V-system effectively locked the guide wire in 63 of 71 exchanges (89
%). Loss of guide wire access occurred in two patients in the conventional group and
four in the V-system group, attributable to failure to lock the guide wire early during
the experience (no significant differences).Conclusions: The V-system can effectively secure the guide wire during accessory exchange in ERCP
and reduces the time required to exchange accessories. This may enhance overall efficiency
during ERCP.
References
gregory.g.ginsberg@uphs.upenn.edu
