Doctor taking blood pressure of patient.

Ambulatory PH Study

Also known as: BRAVO, Esophageal pH Monitoring

If you have persistent heartburn, chest pain, or symptoms caused by acid reflux, you may be a candidate for an ambulatory pH study. Using the Bravo® system for your pH study can help determine the causes and severity of gastroesophageal reflux with higher degrees of accuracy and comfort.

An ambulatory pH study is a test used to evaluate how often stomach acid moves into the esophagus.

Unlike previous pH testing capabilities, the Bravo® system allows you to continue your normal activities and eliminates the need for uncomfortable nasal tubes associated with older forms of ambulatory pH tests.

The Bravo® device also lets patients maintain regular eating, drinking and lifestyle patterns while the test is in place, helping deliver precise test results conveniently.

The Bravo® Ambulatory pH System uses a miniature pH sensing capsule that wirelessly transmits pH data to a recording device.

The pH sensing capsule is implanted endoscopically under sedation and its presence is not detectable after placement. The implantation follows the same procedural steps as an upper endoscopy, so it’s important to not eat or drink at least six hours prior to the procedure.

After the pH monitoring device is implanted, it transmits pH data to a recording device, allowing your doctor to assess and measure your acid levels. The device records your reflux activity for 48 hours.

There is no need to surgically remove the pH sensor. After a two-day period, the sensor naturally detaches itself from the esophagus and is passed through stool.

Your doctor will follow up with you and go over the data recorded by the test.

An ambulatory pH study using the Bravo® system is generally a safe procedure. Despite the unlikelihood of a complication occurring, the procedure does carry certain risks. These include nausea, heartburn, soreness of the throat and difficulty swallowing, as well as drowsiness from the sedative medications.