Clinical experience with a new endoscopic over-the-scope clip system for use in the GI tract

Background: The newly designed over-the-scope clip (OTSC) seems to overcome several limitations of current clipping system, such as size and opening-closing force, allowing better control of gastric or colonic bleeding and/or deep wall defect or perforation. Aims: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to describe the new endoscopic device and evaluate our first clinical experience. Patients and methods: We treated with the OTSC system 9 patients (range, 58-85 years; 6 men, 3 women) with bleeding and/or deep wall lesions of the GI tract. The OTSC system is composed of an application cap, which is mounted onto the distal tip of the endoscope and a connected releasing mechanism, installed on the handle of the scope. The rotation of the handle allows the release of the clip by a two tube sliding mechanism. Results: All applications resulted successful, i.e. haemostasis was achieved, and/or wall defects could be closed. No complication was observed that could be ascribed to the clip itself or to the technique. Conclusions: The OTSC system is a new endoscopic tool for compression of large tissue areas and its indications are nonvaricose bleedings difficult to control and lesions or perforations of the GI tract. The initial clinical use of this clipping device proved to be efficient and effective. © 2008 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l.