Surgical balloon dilators play an important role in a variety of gastrointestinal medical procedures, offering solutions for a range of gastrointestinal disorders and emergent issues. However, like any medical device, they come with their own set of challenges. Let’s explore some of those challenges as well as available solutions that can help you achieve the best outcome for your patients.
Challenge 1: Limited Visualization During Placement
Solution: Balloons with radiopaque markers can improve your positioning and therefore the outcome of the procedure. During Fluoroscopy, these markers provide real-time visual reference points to help ensure the balloon is accurately placed right where you need it. Hobbs Medical Stylet Wire Balloon Dilators offer radiopaque markers, for just this reason.
Challenge 2: Difficulty Achieving Optimal Inflation
Solution: Make sure your surgical balloons are compatible with pressure monitoring devices like the Hobbs Medical Inflation Monitor. The Inflation Monitor allows for real-time pressure monitoring, ensuring precise control over balloon inflation and helps to reduce the risk of over-inflation or under-inflation. This is vital to ensuring the safety of the patient, getting the most control over your surgical balloon, and achieving the best outcome for the patient during the procedure.
Challenge 3: Reliability
Solution: Make sure your balloons use specially treated materials that are designed for the procedure you are undertaking. The right materials will be durable, reliable, and will dilate uniformly in all instances. Our Balloon dilators are designed and manufactured to ensure uniform dilation performance under recommended gradual inflation pressure.
Challenge 4: Tissue Trauma or Perforation
Solution: Balloon dilators should be designed with materials specifically meant to minimize sharp edges or protrusions. Balloon dilators like the Hobbs Medical Stylet Wire Balloon Dilator do not require a guidewire for placement because the dilator, while remaining flexible, is rigid enough to pass easily through the scope channel and into the stricture.
While there are challenges around any medical procedure and the use of any medical device, Hobbs Medical Balloon Dilators are up for the challenge! Better placement, inflation control, reliability and safety are all possible when using the right tool for the job. Reach out to Hobbs Medical today to discuss the right option for your needs.
