A new approach to endoscopic submucosal tunneling dissection: the “Speedboat-RS2” device

The “Speedboat-RS2” (Creo Medical Ltd., Wales, UK) is the first multimodality device incorporating bipolar radiofrequency (BRF) energy cutting, microwave coagulation (MWC), an integrated needle for submucosal injection, and a rotatable blade with a heat-insulated hull.

A 4-cm sessile proximal sigmoid lesion was examined using narrow-band imaging (NBI) and zoom magnification (Olympus Keymed; CF-HQ290ZL) ([Fig. 1 a, b]). A benign surface and vascular pattern (Kudo type IIIL/IV, NICE 2, JNET type 2a) was seen [1] [2] [3]. A complete resection was performed, with the patient under conscious sedation, taking 25 minutes (first mucosal incision to last submucosal cut) without recourse to any other accessory instruments.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic images showing: a a 4-cm proximal sessile sigmoid colon lesion; b narrow-band imaging (NBI) and zoom magnification, revealing a lesion classified as Kudo IIIL/IV, NICE 2, JNET 2a; c white-light assessment of the post-dissection base, which is free of thermal injury and has clear margins; d NBI assessment for the presence of residual tissue after dissection.

Firstly, a narrow mucosal incision was made at the distal edge of the lesion, followed by progressively deeper submucosal dissection (BRF, cutting frequency 400 kHz, power setting 35 W). The “Speedboat-RS2” was used to create a submucosal tunnel under the lesion [4] [5]. The novel design provided lateral and/or forward cutting using the curved tip, flat edges of the blade. The 1:1 rotation of the Speedboat optimised submucosal tension, keeping the insulated hull parallel to the muscle layer. Repeated injections were administered by the retractable needle, after device rotation to allow direct visualisation of the needle exit point. A circumferential mucosal incision was completed to isolate the lesion. An “in-to-out” dissection technique was used to dissect the left- and right-bridged margins in a distal to proximal direction ([Video 1]). The specimen was pinned out ([Fig. 2 a]).

Video 1 The “Speedboat-RS2” device was used for an R0 dissection of a large sigmoid lesion using a submucosal dissection tunnelling technique.

Fig. 2 Pathology of the resected specimen: a macroscopic appearance; b microscopic appearance, showing a tubular adenoma with low grade dysplasia, preserved entire mucosa and submucosal layers.

Haemostasis during the procedure was performed using MWC (frequency 5.8 GHz, power setting 10 W). Smaller vessels (< 1 mm) were pre-coagulated, producing a visual bubbling/blanching effect. When a vascular bundle was encountered, larger vessels (> 1 mm) were pre-coagulated with microwave power for 6 – 10 seconds. Any active bleeding was treated with tamponade using the device and further application of MWC (10 W for 10 seconds). The muscle in the resection base was free of thermal damage and the margins were uncharred ([Fig. 1 c, d]; [Video 1]).

The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged 2 hours after the procedure. Histology confirmed an R0 resection of a tubular adenoma with low grade dysplasia. The submucosal layer was viable across the entire specimen ([Fig. 2 b]).

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Competing interests

Zacharias P. Tsiamoulos has a consulting agreement with Creo Medical Ltd. Christopher Hancock is CTO and founder of Creo Medical Ltd. Brian P. Saunders is on the advisory board and has a royalty agreement with Creo Medical Ltd. Joseph Sebastian and Nipin Bagla have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the Complex Polyp Team at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust for providing substantial senior nursing support from Mrs. Paula Morgan, Mrs. Rebecca Smith, and Mr. Jomell Ong.

• References

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