Digma Medical offers the Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Ablation Device (EGAD), a balloon‑catheter system that delivers near‑infrared laser energy for uniform, depth‑controlled ablation of Barrett’s Esophagus tissue. The single‑use, through‑the‑scope catheter integrates with standard GI endoscopes, provides real‑time imaging‑guided mapping, and eliminates the need for fluoroscopy, general anesthesia, or additional hardware, enabling outpatient treatment.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition that often progresses silently and carries a high risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Current endoscopic ablation therapies exhibit high recurrence rates and typically require multiple sessions, general anesthesia, or additional imaging equipment. The need for a safe, minimally invasive, and durable treatment that can be delivered in a standard GI endoscopy suite remains unmet.
Solution
Digma Medical’s Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Ablation Device (EGAD) delivers contactless, uniform laser ablation through a balloon‑catheter that fits the working channel of conventional endoscopes. The system combines a console that controls a near‑infrared therapeutic laser with imaging‑guided mapping and marking to target the esophageal mucosa while sparing deeper layers such as the muscularis. Because the laser is centralized within an inflatable balloon, the device achieves consistent depth and circumferential coverage in a single deployment, reducing procedure time and eliminating the need for fluoroscopy or general anesthesia. The single‑use catheter and console enable outpatient treatment in a standard endoscopy suite, aiming to lower recurrence rates and improve patient outcomes with minimal side effects.
Target Audience
The primary customers are gastroenterologists and endoscopy units in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers that treat Barrett’s Esophagus and related precancerous esophageal conditions. The device also serves clinical research programs evaluating advanced endoscopic therapies.
Features
- Laser‑based near‑infrared (NIR) source integrated into an adjustable balloon catheter for precise, depth‑controlled ablation
- Contactless energy delivery ensures uniform circumferential treatment without full tissue contact
- Through‑the‑scope (TTS) design compatible with standard gastrointestinal endoscope channels, requiring no additional imaging hardware
- Real‑time imaging‑guided “map and mark” workflow allows clinicians to delineate target zones before ablation
- Single‑use catheter with built‑in red guide pointer for visual alignment and safety verification
- Console software provides programmable energy settings, safety interlocks, and procedure logging for regulatory compliance
- Outpatient workflow eliminates the need for general anesthesia and reduces overall procedure duration