BICAP
Last reviewed 01/2018
BICAP is an endoscopic technique applied to recanalise malignant strictures of the oesophagus. It involves passing a series of bougies, each slightly larger than the last, through the stricture. They are directed along this path by a guidewire and fluoroscopy.
Once sited in the stricture, a two-second pulse of current is passed through bipolar radial electrodes connected to the bougie. This causes heating of both bougie and abutting tumour.
The technique is indicated for full circumference tumours with at least 5 mm intraluminal narrowing: results are comparable to laser treatment.