WVU Cancer 1st in world to use esophageal treatment device

A team from Morgantown, W.Va.-based WVU Cancer Institute has become the first in the world to commercially use a new, FDA-approved medical device designed to lower the risk of esophageal cancer. 

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Led by Shyam Thakkar, MD, the team used the Pentax 180-degree C2 Cryoballoon to target, freeze and eliminate abnormal cells in the esophagus, according to a Nov. 1 news release from WVU Cancer. 

The device offers a minimally invasive tool for preventing esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition.

The patient, a 71-year old male, underwent the procedure Oct. 15 and was able to return home after an hour, the release said.

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