Visiting Us
What to Expect What to Bring Insurance Financial Policies Privacy and HIPAA FAQs
Choose a Location
By Location Name By Physician Find by Address Search
Conditions
Barrett's Esophagus Bleeding in the Digestive Tract Celiac Disease Cirrhosis Colon Polyps Constipation Crohn's Disease Diarrhea Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Eosinophilic Esophagitis Fecal Incontinence Gallstones Gas and Bloating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastroparesis H. Pylori and Peptic Ulcer
Hemorrhoids Hepatitis Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Chronic Hepatitis C Indigestion Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lactose Intolerance Nonalcoholic Stateohepatitis Pancreatitis Ulcerative Colitis Viral Gastroenteritis
Health and Wellness
Additional Resources
Our Physicians
By Name By Location
Our Staff
By Name
Our Research
Awards & Affiliations
Common Procedures
Bravo Capsule Colonoscopy Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Enteroscopy Double Balloon Enteroscopy Spiral Enteroscopy ERCP Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Infusion Services Motility Testing pH Impedance Testing PillCam Upper Endoscopy Urea and Hydrogen Breath Tests
About Us Contact Us
Careers
Career Information
Choosing a Specific Physician Choose a Location Insurance
This test involves a capsule (size of a long gel cap, but rectangular in shape) that measures the pH environment of the esophagus, thus the presence of acid reflux. The Bravo delivery system (capsule attached to a catheter) is inserted orally, then down into the esophagus. Once positioned and the capsule is attached, the delivery system is removed. This usually takes 60 seconds. Some patients can feel the presence of the capsule, some do not.
Information is transmitted from the capsule to the receiver, a pager-like device worn on the belt or waistband. A diary is provided for documentation of symptoms, meals and lying down periods. After 48 hours the device is returned along with the diary.
The capsule sloughs off in 5-10 days and is excreted via a bowel movement. The data is then uploaded to a computer program, which provides a comprehensive report. The physician analyzes the information, determining whether or not acid reflux is a diagnosis in correlation with the patient's symptoms.
Patients with pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators or diagnosed gastrointestinal strictures are not candidates for this procedure.
Log in/sign up to our secure site to schedule an appointment or request a bill.
“I won't worry about the next appointment because this one went so well.”
Find out what other patients are asking and read our expert responses. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Want to speak with a member of the Austin Gastroenterology team? Please contact us.