Evolution of interventional endoscopic ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Endoscopy

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) emerged in the 1980s as a diagnostic tool.
• Advancements in linear echoendoscopes have transformed EUS into an interventional modality.
• EUS now plays a crucial role in assessing the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the origins and evolution of EUS-guided interventional techniques.
• To categorize current EUS applications in luminal, pancreaticobiliary, and hepatic interventions.
• To explore future directions in EUS-guided therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of the historical development of EUS applications.
• Categorization of interventional EUS procedures.
• Discussion of current techniques and future prospects.

Main Results:

• EUS applications are broadly categorized into transluminal drainage/access, injection therapy, and liver interventions.
• Specific procedures include pancreatic fluid collection management, biliary/pancreatic duct drainage, and enteral anastomosis.
• Liver applications encompass biopsy, portal pressure gradient measurement, and vascular therapies.

Conclusions:

• EUS has evolved into a versatile interventional platform.
• Current EUS techniques address a wide range of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions.
• Future directions promise further innovation in EUS-guided therapeutic interventions.