Argon Plasma Coagulation
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been used to provide tissue coagulation and haemostasis since the early part of the 1990s. A stream of argon gas is passed through an endoscopic catheter; this is then ionized at the tip of the catheter by an electric current. The tip of the catheter is held close to the tissue to be treated, and the current arcs across to the tissue causing a superficial (2-3mm) burn. The lack of contact between the catheter and the tissue stops the tendency of the catheter to stick to the tissue, reducing unwanted tissue damage.
Its principal use is in providing haemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding; angiodysplasia, GAVE, bleeding malignant tumours and bleeding peptic ulcers can all be treated. Trials have also been carried out to assess its use in eradicating Barrett’s oesophagus, but have found that relapse is common.
Read more about this topic: Therapeutic Endoscopy, Types of Endoscopic Therapy