Chang-Il Kwon and Gwang-Il Kim contributed equally to this work as first authors.
In order to reduce the procedure time and the number of accessory changes during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), we developed a novel versatile knife, which has the combined advantages of several conventional knives. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and histological quality of ESD performed using this novel versatile knife and a combination of several conventional knives.
This was an
A total of 18 specimens were dissected by ESD safely and easily (nine specimens using the new versatile knife; nine specimens by mixing conventional knives). All resections were completed as
ESD with a versatile knife appeared to be an easy, safe, and technically efficient method.
The development of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has allowed en bloc resection for accurate histological assessment and resection of tumors regardless of their sizes.
Despite improvements in equipment and ESD techniques, each ESD step may require different accessories or knives depending on the location and shape of the tumor to achieve quality-controlled ESD.
For reducing the need to change accessories and procedure time, we developed a novel versatile knife (Optimos knife; Taewoong Medical, Goyang, Korea), which has the combined advantages of several conventional knives. The Optimos knife is capable of performing all steps in ESD in addition to water injection, and has several distinguishing features. The Optimos knife may enable endoscopists to perform quality-controlled ESD and reduce the procedure time and procedure-related adverse events.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the Optimos knife in ESD with those of several conventional knives.
This was an in vivo animal study comparing two different modalities (Optimos knife and a combination of several conventional knives) for the removal of target mucosal lesions. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Inha University School of Medicine.
This animal study was conducted at the National Center of Efficacy Evaluation for the Development of Health Products Targeting Digestive Disorders (Pyeongtaek, Korea), an animal research institution. We used two male miniature pigs (Sus scrofa; Micropig, Hybrid; Yukatan, Vietnam potbelly) that weighed 31 and 33 kg. After 2 days of fasting, the miniature pigs underwent ESD with general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Preanesthetic sedation consisted of an intramuscular injection of atropine sulfate (0.04 mg/kg), xylazine (2 mg/kg), and tiletamine-zolazepam (5 mg/kg). The animals were intubated and general anesthesia including 0.5% to 2% isoflurane via an endotracheal tube and 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen provided by a ventilator was administered. The miniature pigs were then placed on their sides on an operation table. Cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored throughout the procedure.
The Optimos knife (
Two miniature pigs underwent 20 removals of the stomach mucosa, with a target resected specimen size of around 3×3 cm. The stomach of a pig is smaller and anatomically different from that of a human, although the shapes are similar. Heterogeneity between individual pigs also makes it difficult to naturally approach the same scope of mucosa with an endoscope. For this reason, an endoscopic examination was performed before ESD to identify and mark the target areas of the greater curvature of the gastric body at certain intervals, where the endoscope could reach naturally. Then the ESD was repeated using a randomly assigned ESD knife. Completion time of each resection was documented, and the resected specimens were retrieved and evaluated for completeness (en bloc resection).
To assess quality control of the ESD procedures and procedure-related adverse events, detailed histopathological examinations were performed. For examination of short-term adverse events and histopathological changes, the pigs were euthanized 18 hours after the completion of the procedures, and the stomach of each pig was harvested. Gross specimen inspection and detailed histopathological examination and analysis were performed by a pathologist (GIK) who was blinded to the study group.
A single-channel endoscope (GIF-Q260J; Olympus Medical Systems Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used for all procedures. A disposable distal attachment cap (D-201; Olympus Medical Systems Co.) was mounted onto the tip of the endoscope. The electrosurgical unit (VIO 300D; ERBE Elektromedizin, Tübingen, Germany) was used as a power source for electrical cutting and coagulation. The settings for all the knives were as follows: (1) soft coagulation, effect 5, 80 W for marking the target area and effect 3, 60 W for vessel coagulation; (2) endocut I, effect 3 (duration 3, interval 3) for marginal incision; and (3) forced coagulation, effect 2, 50 W for submucosal dissection. A 23-gauge endoscopic injection needle (Optimos injector; Taewoong Medical) was used to inject a mixed solution (a hypertonic saline solution mixed with diluted epinephrine [1: 250,000] and slightly stained with indigo carmine). An electric peristaltic pump (Pentax Water Supplier; SA-P2; Hoya Corp., Tokyo, Japan) was used for the water irrigation system of the Optimos knife and the endoscope.
Two experienced endoscopists (IKC and CIK) performed all procedures (
All ESD steps are shown in
Instead of the Optimos knife, three conventional knives (Dual knife, Hook Knife, and IT-2 knife; Olympus Medical Systems Co.) were used for ESD in the combination knives group, according to the same steps described for the Optimos knife group. The IT-2 knife was principally used to cut the mucosa and dissect the submucosa. The Dual knife and the Hook knife were used to precut the mucosa or used in difficult circumstances (
We defined the procedure time as the primary end point. We also assessed completeness of resection, procedural adverse events (bleeding and perforation), and histopathological features.
All endoscopic procedures were digitally recorded on a computer. Procedure time was measured from the first injection of the solution to the complete resection of the target area. Cutting speed was measured as the resection area divided by the entire cutting time (duration from start of the mucosal incision to completion of resection). Completeness of resection was assessed by endoscopic and macroscopic inspections of the resection site for any remaining coagulation markings. Significant bleeding was defined as any use of hemostasis. The perforation was diagnosed during endoscopic and histopathological examinations. Procedure time and endpoint events were assessed and recorded by a study assistant not involved in the procedure. Another study assistant took photographs and videos, only when deemed important or critical, so as not to interfere with the procedure time.
After fixing the tissue in formalin, all the endoscopically resected specimens and the remaining stomach were processed. Each resected specimen and stomach was sequentially sectioned and submitted in total for paraffin block embedding and sectioning after staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The fixed specimens were sectioned serially at 2-mm intervals for histological examination. All quantifications of the depth of the lesions in the histological glass slides were performed using the SPOT Advanced program version 5.0 (Diagnostic Instruments, Sterling Heights, MI, USA). The microscopic observations were made based on the following guidelines: the extent of injury to the lamina propria and the submucosa in the resected specimens or the remaining gastric tissue. To evaluate the depth of injury to the muscularis propria (MP), the depth of injury was divided by the whole thickness of the MP layer (inner circular and outer longitudinal), which was expressed as percentage of injury (i.e., when the whole MP was injured, it was expressed as 100%). Points showing the most marked or deepest injury were determined and measured. Histological perforation was considered to be present if there was an injury involving the serosal surface of the remaining gastric tissue.
Mann-Whitney
Two pigs were used for a total of 18 removals of the gastric mucosa (eight removals in the first pig and 10 removals in the second pig; nine removals in the Optimos knife group and nine removals in the combination knives group). Despite the original plan to carry out 10 ESDs per pig, the number of ESDs differed between the two pigs because of the heterogeneity of the approachable scopes, limiting the number of feasible ESDs, as mentioned earlier. All target lesions were concentrated in the greater curvature of the stomach where the endoscope could approach naturally. Since the target lesion became bigger than expected in the first pig, prolonging the procedure time and limiting the number of resections to 8, we reduced the size of the target lesion in the second pig, thereby shortening the procedure time and allowing 10 resections. The smaller size of the lesion also allowed sufficient submucosal injection before ESD, almost eliminating the need for additional injection during the procedure.
Procedural data are summarized in
Both pigs were alive during the 18 hours before euthanasia and necropsy showed no complicated findings. The resected stomachs were incised along the lesser curvature to expose the interior, where no adverse event was found (
The extent and depth of tissue injury are summarized in
We have reported herein the results of an animal feasibility study for ESD using the Optimos knife, which was developed by combining the advantages of various existing knives. We summarize the aforementioned features of the Optimos knife as follows: it is capable of performing several steps of ESD, has a smoothly rotating tip, transparent outer sheath, and water injection function. The distinguishable features among the recently developed knives are water injection function and hemostatic capability for quality-controlled ESD.
The limited outer sheath diameter makes it technically difficult to combine all these advantages in one knife. An outer sheath where a knife can be safely inserted, an anchor-shaped smoothly and fully rotating tip, and an outer sheath for the water injection function, all have to be contained in a limited diameter, and at an affordable cost, which is very difficult.
This animal feasibility study was performed to compare the performance and safety of the Optimos knife, which was developed to satisfy all the aforementioned features, with those of the widely used, conventional knives. While planning the study, we expected that the procedure time would be longer in the combination knives group, where the knives have to be replaced frequently. Procedure time and cutting speed in animal studies are mostly affected by the location and size of target lesions, and adverse events.
To distinguish this study from previously reported animal studies using new knives, we performed more detailed histopathological analyses including the evaluation of direct tissue injury related to ESD, although not for determining the occurrence of adverse events. Previous studies, which included necropsy and histopathological analysis of the remaining bed tissues immediately after ESD, could not find a difference between the resected specimen and the remaining bed tissue, when assessing micro-injury to the tissue by a knife.
Although our study could not confirm qualitative superiority of the Optimos knife over other knives in terms of procedure time or various aspects of ESD, this study looked at the technical features of the Optimos knife, and is a meaningful noninferiority test that compared the function as well as the safety of the Optimos knife with those of the existing knives. We believe that determining the difference can be difficult when the existing accessories are good and endoscopists and assistants are skilled. The Optimos knife seems convenient to use while performing quality-controlled ESD and has various advantages that makes it a better option: (1) the Optimos knife allows direct visualization of the lesion for cutting or dissection, like the Dual knife or the Flex knife, and the transparent outer sheath offers clear visibility of the lesion; (2) the hooking method is available for cutting or dissection, similar to the IT-2 knife or the Hook knife, in addition to hemostatic capability for direct coagulation of blood vessels; and (3) as in the Hook knife, the tip can be fully and smoothly rotated by controlling the dial on the handle of the knife; and fourth, as in the Flush knife, the Optimos knife is equipped with a water injection system to ensure a safe and rapid procedure by reducing the number of submucosal injections that have to be repeated many times during the ESD procedure. Most of all, it is noteworthy that the basic three steps, including marking, incision, and submucosal dissection, can be achieved with only one knife, which is important in terms of cost reduction, insurance coverage, procedural simplicity, and safety.
This study has several limitations, including the lack of sufficient ESD specimens due to small sample size, non-normal distribution of data and target lesions, execution of procedures by experienced endoscopists, lack of bigger and variously located target lesions, short interval between target lesions that affect the surrounding tissues, and use of universal electrical settings for all knives. Due to the inherent limitations of an animal study, the procedures were performed at small sites during a certain period in multiple procedures were performed in each pig, making the target size of each specimen relatively small and rather insufficient to observe results that could highlight the advantages of this new knife. A prospective, comparative study involving larger lesions and a greater sample size is required to better observe the advantages of the Optimos knife. A head-to-head comparison with each of the conventional knives would provide more objective data.
In conclusion, this study could not confirm qualitative superiority of the Optimos knife over other knives in terms of procedure time or various aspects of ESD, but this study investigated the technical features of the Optimos knife and is meaningful as a noninferiority test of function as well as safety of the Optimos knife compared to the existing knives. Further large-scaled, prospective clinical studies are required for more accurate determination of its safety and efficacy.
This study was supported by a grant of the GMEDECA Center R&D Project (KERI 12-30-I0199-03), Gyeonggi Provincial Government, the Republic of Korea; by grants from the SNUBH Research Fund (02-2007-027); and also by the National Center of Efficacy Evaluation for the Development of Health Products Targeting Digestive Disorders (NCEED). We wish to thank Dr. Takashi Toyonaga and Dr. Shinwa Tanaka (Department of Endoscopy, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan) for technical advice on the water injection system. We also thank Woo Jin Shin, Jong Hoon Rim, and Kil Soo Kim for their kind assistance in all procedures.
Chang-Il Kwon invented the Optimos knife in conjunction with Taewoong Medical Company.
The novel versatile knife (Optimos knife) used in this study. The tip of the knife can be rotated fully and smoothly by controlling the button on the handle. The transparent sheath of the knife is suitable for attaining the best view during the procedure. The 1.9-mm-wide and 2.5-mm-long anchor-shaped tip allows the performance of several steps of ESD including marking, circumferential incision and cutting, and dissection and vessel coagulation. The outer sheath allows additional submucosal injection and saline irrigation without changing the device.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures in the animal model. All markings on the target mucosa were circumferentially made with the tip of the Optimos knife, using a soft coagulation mode. Using a 23-gauge needle, the mixed solution was repeatedly injected into the submucosal layer until the target mucosa was totally raised. In the Optimos knife group, mucosal incision was started at the proximal end of the target lesion and extended around the markings using an endocut mode to almost complete the mucosal incision. Submucosal dissection was gradually carried out, using the forced coagulation mode. Finally, the distal remnant mucosal area was cut with the hooking method. If bleeding occurs during dissection, saline irrigation can be performed for securing a clear view using the water injection system of the Optimos knife. The knife in a forced coagulation mode is sufficient to coagulate the small vessels of a ramified vascular network. The water injection system was also used to keep enough fluid in the submucosa for continuous submucosal dissection. In the combination knives group, three conventional knives (the IT-2 knife, the Hook Knife, and the Dual knife) were used according to the same steps as the Optimos knife group.
The novel versatile knife (Optimos knife; Taewoong Medical) used in this study. (A) The Optimos knife has a 1.9-mm-wide and 2.5-mm-long anchor-shaped tip, which can be smoothly and fully rotated by controlling the dial on the handle of the knife. (B) The outer sheath can perform the water injection function. (C) The handle of the knife.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedures in the animal model. (A) Markings were made with the tip of the Optimos knife (Taewoong Medical) in the soft coagulation mode. (B) The mixed solution was repeatedly injected into the submucosal layer. (C-E) The tip of the Optimos knife was used to make the incision along the markings, using the endocut mode. (F-J) Submucosal dissection was carried out using the forced coagulation mode. The vessel was coagulated by the hooking method using the soft coagulation mode and cut using the endocut mode. (K, L) The distal remnant mucosal area was cut with the hooking method. (M-O) The knife can coagulate the small vessels of a ramified vascular network in a forced coagulation mode. (P, Q) The water injection system was used to keep enough fluid in the submucosa for continuous submucosal dissection. (R, S) The Coagrasper forceps were used to control major bleeding from large vessels, using the soft coagulation mode. (T) The post-ESD ulcers were shown to prevent bleeding afterward. (U-X) Three conventional knives (the IT-2, the Hook Knife, and the Dual knife) were used for ESD in the combination knives group.
Part of the stomach harvested from the second pig. Target lesions were centered on the greater curvature of the gastric body. The resected stomachs were incised along the lesser curvature to expose the interior, where no abnormality such as bleeding or perforation was found. The surrounding normal tissues were damaged and changed, but were not detected during endoscopic submucosal dissection. All numbers represent sequentially resected areas.
Tissues from resected specimens pinned on a rubber board after formalin fixation. (Inset) Resected specimens just after the procedure.
Representative histological findings of endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) specimens and residual muscularis propria tissue from the Optimos knife group (A-D) and combination knives group (E-H; H&E stain). (A, B) ESD showing minimal injury to the lamina propria and submucosa in the Optimos knife group. (C, D) Residual bed tissue showing minimal injury to the lamina propria and muscularis propria in the Optimos knife group. (E, F) ESD showing minimal injury to the lamina propria and submucosa in the combination knives group. (G, H) Residual bed tissue showing marked injury in the lamina propria and muscularis propria in the combination knives group. Arrows represent the extent of injury. Scale bars represent 50 µm in (B) and (F) and 500 µm in the others.
Comparison of the levels of histological injury between the Optimos knife group and the combination knives group. (A) Extent of injury to the lamina propria in the dissected gastric specimens. (B) Extent of injury to the lamina propria in the remaining gastric bed tissue. (C) Depth of injury to the submucosa in the dissected gastric specimens. (D) Depth of injury to the MP in the remaining gastric bed tissue. LP, lamina propria; ESD, endoscopic mucosal dissection; SM, submucosa; MP, muscularis propria.
Procedural Data of All 18 Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Procedures
Comb, combination knives; Opt, optimos knife.
Statistical Analysis of Procedural Data
Values are analyzed using the Mann-Whitney
IQR, interquantile range.
Extent or Depth of Histological Injury in the Lamina Propria, Submucosa, and Muscularis Propria
LP, lamina propria; ESD, endoscopic submucosal dissection; SM, submucosa; MP, muscularis propria.