The HALO System

Treatment of Barrett's Esophagus: The HALO System

Barrett's Esophagus is a precancerous condition affecting the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach). When chronic gastric reflux occurs, the lining of the esophagus can begin to break down from chronic exposure to stomach acid.

Skagit Regional Health offers a new treatment option to patients with Barrett's Esophagus called the HALO System.

How does the HALO System work?

The HALO System provides uniform and controlled ablative (tissue removal) therapy which removes Barrett's cells and allows for the regrowth of normal, healthy cells.

A HALO Sizing Balloon is used to size the esophagus. A correctly sized ablation catheter is then inflated within the area of the Barrett's tissue. The HALO Energy Generator is activated to deliver a rapid (less than one second) burst of ablative energy which removes a thin (less than 1 millimeter) layer of the diseased esophagus. This ablation (removal of tissue) is tightly controlled to avoid an injury to the normal underlying tissue. New, healthy tissue replaces the ablated Barrett's cells in three to four weeks for most patients.

For more information, please contact Skagit Regional Health's gastroenterology team at 360-814-6113.