A BRAVO pH study measures reflux using a small capsule attached to the esophagus. It records for multiple days without a nose catheter.
During an endoscopy, a small capsule is attached to the esophagus lining to measure pH. You wear a recorder and continue normal activities while data is collected. The capsule naturally detaches and passes on its own.
Placement is typically done during a sedated endoscopy. Some people notice temporary chest discomfort or a “sticking” sensation. Complications are uncommon, and your team will explain what to watch for.
Preparation is similar to other sedated endoscopy procedures. You’ll be asked not to eat or drink for a set time before the procedure, and your provider will review medications—especially acid-suppressing drugs, blood thinners, and diabetes medicines. You may be told to stop certain reflux medicines several days in advance or to stay on them, depending on the question being asked. Follow your written BRAVO prep instructions carefully.
On the day of the test, you’ll check in for an upper endoscopy. After sedation is started, the endoscope is passed through your mouth into the esophagus and stomach. The capsule is attached to the lower esophagus, and then the scope is removed. You’ll wake up in recovery, go home the same day with a small recorder and symptom diary, and resume normal activities unless instructed otherwise.
Mild chest or throat awareness from the capsule is common at first and usually fades. You’ll eat, drink, sleep, and record symptoms as instructed while the device collects data. After the monitoring period, you’ll return the recorder; the capsule detaches on its own and passes naturally in your stool. You can typically resume all medications and activities as directed once the study is done. Your provider will review the results with you at a follow-up visit.
Si su seguro exige una remisión o una autorización previa, nuestra oficina de facturación hará todo lo posible por obtenerla antes de que se presten los servicios. Si decide continuar sin la autorización requerida, es posible que el seguro deniegue la cobertura. Si es usted un paciente de Medicare, es posible que se le pida que firme un Aviso Previo al Beneficiario (ABN) en el que reconozca su responsabilidad financiera en caso de que el seguro no pague. Si está afiliado a un plan de seguro privado, se le pedirá que firme un formulario de servicios no cubiertos.