Murray Hospital Adds New Weapon in Battle for Barrett’s Patients

By The Paducah Sun, Ky.

May 7–MURRAY, Ky. — Murray-Calloway County Hospital has new technology for fighting the development of cancer of the esophagus from acid reflux disease.

The MCCH Auxiliary has bought the hospital a tool, the Barrx Medical Halo360 System, which is designed for treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. The latter is a precancerous condition of the esophagus caused by chronic exposure of cells to stomach acid.

The Halo360 System is designed to remove tissue from the lining of the esophagus with radio frequency signals, a minimally invasive procedure, before those acid-altered cells can progress to cancer.

Dr. Monte Finch, a gastroenterologist at the hospital, will treat Barrett’s esophagus patients with the new equipment.

“Many people who have frequent heartburn will not have Barrett’s while those with occasional heartburn might have it,” Finch said. “You really cannot tell based on symptoms. You need to take a look.”

Barrett’s esophagus, which affects about 3 million adult Americans, if left untreated can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma, Finch said. He identified the esophageal disease as the fastest rising cancer in the United States.

Finch said removal of pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus with the Halo360 System allows the regeneration of new, healthy cells to follow.

More information: Phone 762-1100 or see the Web site www.murrayhospital.org.

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