Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
A New Ex Vivo Model for the Evaluation of Endoscopic Submucosal Injection Material Performance
Published on: October 19, 2018
Efficacy of a reverse-phase polymer as a submucosal injection solution for EMR: a comparative study (with video)
Gloria Fernández-Esparrach1, Sohail N Shaikh, Arielle Cohen
1Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction:
Reverse-phase polymers undergo a temperature-dependent liquid-to-gel transition that may provide a more durable cushion for EMR and could yield improvements in safety and efficacy.
Objective:
Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of poloxamer solution PS137-25 as a submucosal injection.
Design:
Comparative study among 3 different solutions for EMR using ex vivo and in vivo porcine models.
Interventions:
A total of 120 gastric submucosal cushions were performed in fresh ex vivo porcine stomachs with saline solution 0.9% (n = 40), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (n = 40), and PS137-25 (n = 40). Five in vivo porcine colon EMRs were then performed.
Main Outcome Measurements:
Height and duration of submucosal cushions were measured in the ex vivo model, and the usefulness of reverse-phase polymers was assessed by in vivo en bloc resection.
Results:
Ex vivo: The height of mucosal elevation was greater with PS137-25 (10.3 +/- 2.2 mm) than with saline solution (8.3 +/- 2.6 mm) or HPMC (9.05 +/- 2.3 mm, not significant). All submucosal elevations with PS137-25 lasted longer (more than 20 minutes) than with saline solution (20.9 +/- 11 minutes, P < .01) or HPMC (89 +/- 32 minutes, P < .01). After 120 minutes, the elevations obtained with PS137-25 showed no differences in size, shape, or consistency from initial measurements. In vivo: All 5 EMRs were successfully performed after 1 injection of PS137-25. No repeat injections were needed. During resection, a large gel cushion was noted.
Conclusions:
Mucosal elevation with PS137-25 is more durable than with other substances, with no changes in size or consistency observed over 120 minutes. Additionally, reverse-phase polymers performed well in in vivo colon EMRs. These results suggest that reverse-phase polymers may provide increased safety and efficacy for EMR procedures.
