Clinical application of a novel high-selectivity steerable-tip catheter for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with altered surgical anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the selective treatment of the biliary branch is frequently challenging in patients with surgically altered intestinal tracts [1] [2] [3]. We have developed and commercialized a novel steerable catheter for ERCP (KC226; Zeon Medical, Tokyo, Japan) capable of balanced bidirectional tip-bending at steep angles by using a seamless tube with a distal part made of an artificial blood vessel material and a wire-driven antagonistic mechanism [4] ([Fig. 1]). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of this catheter inserted into balloon enteroscopes for accessing the biliary tract in patients with surgically altered anatomy.