Bravo™
(Treatment for Reflux)
Bravo™ pH monitoring is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool used to evaluate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by measuring acid exposure inside the esophagus. At North Shore Gastroenterology, our experienced providers offer Bravo testing in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH, to determine the severity of reflux and to identify patterns of acid exposure. By monitoring acid levels over a 48-hour period during normal daily activities, Bravo pH testing provides valuable information that cannot be obtained through standard imaging or laboratory studies alone.
Conditions Evaluated Using Bravo pH Monitoring
Bravo pH monitoring is used to evaluate patients with persistent symptoms of GERD, including heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. It helps determine how often stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and how long each reflux episode lasts. The test is also helpful when symptoms are unclear, when medication effectiveness is being assessed, or when long-term reflux has caused complications such as esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. By precisely measuring acid exposure, Bravo data allows gastroenterologists to identify the cause of symptoms and tailor treatment approaches more effectively.
About the Bravo™ Procedure
Bravo pH testing begins with an upper endoscopy , during which a small capsule is placed on the wall of the esophagus. Prior to placement, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the throat. Your gastroenterologist then uses an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, to view the esophagus and attach the Bravo capsule in the correct location. The capsule remains in place temporarily and transmits pH data to a receiver worn on your waistband or belt.
For the next 48 hours, the Bravo capsule records acid levels as you eat, drink, sleep, work, and perform routine activities. During this time, you will keep a diary documenting your symptoms such as heartburn, coughing, or regurgitation, along with medication use, meals, and periods of lying down. These notes will help your doctor correlate symptoms with acid activity.
Because sedation is used, a responsible adult must accompany you and drive you home after the procedure.
After the Procedure
Once the monitoring period is complete, you will return the receiver and diary during a follow-up appointment. The data is downloaded into a specialized system that generates a detailed report analyzing acid exposure patterns, reflux frequency, and symptom association. Your gastroenterologist reviews the results to determine the most effective treatment approach, which may include medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or endoscopic or surgical options if significant reflux is confirmed.
The Bravo capsule naturally detaches from the esophageal lining within several days and passes through your digestive tract unnoticed during a bowel movement. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after capsule placement and experience minimal discomfort.
Innovative GERD Treatment and Bravo™ pH Testing in Westlake & Brooklyn, OH
If you are experiencing persistent acid reflux or symptoms of GERD, contact North Shore Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Centers at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists and learn whether Bravo™ pH monitoring is right for you.
