Reflux Studies/Bravo pH Capsule

Your BRAVO pH Monitoring Test

Bravo pH monitoring is a test to assess whether acid is coming back into the esophagus from the stomach causing pain, nausea, heartburn, and chest pain. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

The test involves the temporary placement of a pH capsule approximately the size of a gel cap to the wall of the esophagus. An endoscope is used to place the capsule, which is a thin, flexible tube with an attached camera. The capsule is a small monitoring device that will measure the frequency and duration of acid coming back up into your esophagus. These measurements allow your doctor to evaluate your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms and plan the best treatment for you. You will record sleep, eating, and other symptoms in a diary for your physician to review. On average, the procedure to place the Bravo capsule takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

During your phone call with the Ohio Valley Endoscopy nurse, you will be instructed what time to arrive at Ohio Valley. Please check in at the front desk when you arrive. After you register, you will be escorted back to the pre-procedure area to have your vital signs taken. You will change into a gown provided by Ohio Valley. You will receive IV medication to put you to sleep and keep you comfortable during your procedure. On average, this procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your physician will talk with you before you are given sedation.

After your Bravo pH capsule is placed, you will be moved to a recovery area until you are ready to go home and offered something to drink. You may have a sore throat after the endoscopy.

For the next 48 hours, you will be wearing a small monitor that clips to your clothing which looks like a large pager. You will keep a diary of any symptoms you experience, recording the exact times when you eat and when you are lying down. Your nurse will explain this and you will receive discharge instructions to take home.

The capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus and passes through your digestive tract, and is eliminated from the body.

Learn more about what to expect from your visit.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The monitor box must be returned to Ohio Valley after the 48-hour testing period.
2. It is recommended that you do not have an MRI test for at least 30 days.
3. Your physician may take small tissue samples for closer examination during your procedure.
4. Patients who are not candidates for Bravo pH Capsule Placement include those with a pacemaker or defibrillator, patients with a history of bowel obstructions, strictures, Crohn’s, esophageal varices and known esophagitis, and patients who will have an MRI in the next 30 days.

If you are unable to keep your appointment or you are delayed, please contact Ohio Valley immediately at 937.521.3900.