New Technologies and Approaches to Endoscopic Control of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is considered the first line of therapy. Although standard techniques, such as epinephrine injection, through-the-scope hemoclips, bipolar coagulation, argon plasma coagulation, and band ligation are routinely used, some GI bleeds are refractory to these therapies. Newer technologies have emerged to assist with the treatment of GI bleeding. This article highlights endoscopic and endoscopic ultrasound-guided therapies that may be used by experienced endoscopists for the primary control of GI bleeding or for cases refractory to standard hemostatic techniques.