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Introduction EndoTrac is a line-attached sheath-type traction device that enables us to control the direction and the force of traction during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The efficacy of EndoTrac for gastric ESD has not been fully verified.Methods and analysis The G-Trac study is a multicentre (nine general hospitals and two university hospitals in Japan) collaborative trial assessing the efficacy of EndoTrac for gastric ESDs. Patients with superficial gastric neoplasms will be enrolled and randomly assigned to undergo either conventional ESD or EndoTrac ESD. Allocation will be stratified according to tumour location, operator experience and tumour diameter at an allocation rate of 1:1. The type of endoknife used will be confirmed before randomisation. The primary outcome, procedure time, will be compared between the groups in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The efficacy-related, safety-related and device-related outcomes will be assessed in the secondary analysis. The planned sample size of the 142 patients in the two groups will enable us to detect a difference with a power of 80% by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, assuming an effect size of 0.54, asymptotic relative efficiency of 0.864 and a two-sided type 1 error rate of 5%.Ethics and dissemination This trial was approved by the certified review board of Kobe University (22 December 2022). The results from this trial will be disseminated through peer-review journals, presentations at national and international conferences, and data sharing with other researchers.Trial registration number jRCT1052220166.

Background/Aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is currently considered the first-line treatment for the eradication of superficial neoplasms of the esophagus in Eastern countries. However, in the West, particularly in Latin America, the experience with esophageal ESD is still limited because of the high technical complexity required for its execution. This study aimed to present the results of the clinical application of ESD to manage superficial esophageal neoplasms in a Latin American center in over 100 consecutive cases. Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic ESD for superficial esophageal neoplasms between 2009 and 2022. The following clinical outcomes were assessed: en bloc, complete, and curative resection rates, local recurrence, adverse events, and procedure-related mortality. Results Esophageal ESD was performed mainly for squamous cell carcinoma (66.6%), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (17.1%), and adenocarcinoma (11.4%). En bloc and complete resection rates were 96.2% and 81.0%, respectively. The curative resection rate was 64.8%. Adverse events occurred in six cases (5.7%). Endoscopic follow-up was performed for an average period of 29.7 months. Conclusions ESD performed by trained operators is feasible, safe, and clinically effective for managing superficial neoplastic lesions of the esophagus in Latin America.

Background/Aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for diverticulum-associated colorectal lesions is generally contraindicated because of the high risk of perforation. Several studies on patients with such lesions treated with ESD have been reported recently. However, the feasibility and safety of ESD for lesions in proximity to a colonic diverticulum (D-ESD) have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of D-ESD. Methods D-ESD was defined as ESD for lesions within approximately 3 mm of a diverticulum. Twenty-six consecutive patients who underwent D-ESD were included. Two strategic approaches were used depending on whether submucosal dissection of the diverticulum-related part was required (strategy B) or not (strategy A). Treatment outcomes and adverse events associated with each strategy were analyzed. Results The en bloc resection rate was 96.2%. The R0 and curative resection rates were 76.4% and 70.6% in strategy A and 88.9% and 77.8% in strategy B, respectively. Two cases of intraoperative perforation and one case of delayed perforation occurred. The delayed perforation case required emergency surgery, but the other cases were managed conservatively. Conclusions D-ESD may be a feasible treatment option. However, it should be performed in a high-volume center by expert hands because it requires highly skilled endoscopic techniques.

Abstract Combined use of fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets has attracted attention as a preventive measure for complications associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, fibrin glue is a protein that may be dissolved by gastric acid. We evaluated the effect of artificial gastric acid on fibrin clot. The dissolution time of three layers of fibrin glue with PGA sheets was measured in five groups (pH 1.2, 2.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 6.0 with pepsin). Measurements of three samples per group were made. The mean number of the remaining layers at each measurement point was observed for 168 h. The time to complete dissolution of the three layers of fibrin gel in the three samples was 2.5 h at pH 1.2, 5 h at pH 2.0, 24 h at pH 4.0, and 48 h and 6 h at pH 5.5. In order to maintain fibrin glue in the stomach for a long period, there was a need to avoid pepsin activation secondary to acidification of gastric juice. The use of strong antacids is recommended.

Background/Aims The anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy is the area most affected by duodenogastric reflux. Different reconstruction methods may affect the lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site. We retrospectively investigated the clinicopathologic and endoscopic submucosal dissection outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site. Methods We recruited 34 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancer at the anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy. Clinicopathology and treatment outcomes were compared between the Billroth II and non-Billroth II groups. Results The tumor size in the Billroth II group was significantly larger than that in the non-Billroth II group (22 vs. 19 mm; p=0.048). More severe gastritis was detected endoscopically in the Billroth II group (2 vs. 1.33; p=0.0075). Moreover, operation time was longer (238 vs. 121 min; p=0.004) and the frequency of bleeding episodes was higher (7.5 vs. 3.1; p=0.014) in the Billroth II group. Conclusions Compared to remnant gastric cancers in non-Billroth II patients, those in the Billroth II group had larger lesions with a background of severe remnant gastritis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancers in Billroth II patients involved longer operative times and more frequent bleeding episodes than that in patients without Billroth II.

Background/Aims Application of polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets using fibrin glue in post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcers to prevent bleeding has been reported to be difficult with the conventional delivery method because of gravity. This study assessed the usefulness of the envelope-based delivery system with and against gravity in living pigs. Methods PGA sheets were applied on post-ESD ulcers with and against gravity six times each using the conventional and envelope methods, respectively. The PGA sheet delivery time and the endoscopic and histological findings of the treated ulcer floors were compared. Results With gravity, the median PGA sheet application time was 1.00 (0.68–1.30) min/cm2 and 0.32 (0.18–0.52) min/cm2 with the conventional and envelope techniques (p=0.002), respectively, and against gravity, it was 1.20 (1.13–1.63) min/cm2 and 0.50 (0.39–0.58) min/cm2 (p=0.002), respectively. Against gravity, the endoscopic and histological findings revealed that the conventional group had insufficient fixation of the PGA sheets, but the envelope groups had sufficient fixation. The results with gravity were similar between the groups. Conclusions The envelope method makes it possible to deliver PGA sheets to the stomach quickly and cover ulcers appropriately both with and against gravity in living pigs.

Background/Aims: Mucosal cutting biopsy (MCB) is useful for the histopathological diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). However, there is little information on cases in which MCB did not establish a diagnosis. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of cases in which MCB was unsuccessful. Methods: Cases in which MCB was used to histopathologically diagnose gastric SETs at Kobe University Hospital between August 2012 and October 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Forty-five cases in which MCB was used to diagnose 43 gastric SETs in 43 patients were analyzed. The median tumor size was 20 mm (range, 8–50 mm). Pathological examinations resulted in definitive and suspected diagnoses and no diagnosis in 29 (gastrointestinal stromal tumor: n=17, leiomyoma: n=7, aberrant pancreas: n=3, others: n=2), 6, and 10 cases, respectively. Failure to expose the tumor according to retrospective examinations of endoscopic images was significantly associated with no diagnosis. Other possible explanations included a less elevated tumor, biopsy of the surrounding field instead of the tumor due to the mobility, and poor endoscope maneuverability due to the tumor being close to the cardia. Conclusions: Clear exposure of gastric SETs during MCB may improve the diagnostic rate of such examinations.

Background and aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the preferred technique for en bloc resection of superficial colorectal neoplasms. Resection of extensive lesions with ESD can be challenging, owing to loss of orientation in the submucosal space. In this case series, we describe the double-tunneling (DoT) butterfly method for ESD of extensive rectal neoplasms. Methods: The key feature of the DoT butterfly method is the creation of 2 tunnels that are transformed into bilateral flaps, leaving a submucosal septum between them. Results: Four rectal neoplasms measuring (maximum diameter) 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, and 18 cm, respectively, were resected in 4 patients by use of the DoT butterfly method. The lesions included recurrent adenoma (n = 1) and dysplasia (n = 1) in longstanding ulcerative colitis. Curative R0 resection was confirmed in all 4 cases. Histologic examination showed tubular adenomas with low-grade dysplasia in 1 of 4 patients and focal high-grade dysplasia in 3 of 4 patients. One patient experienced postprocedural bleeding that required endoscopic reintervention. Conclusion: The DoT butterfly method appears to be useful for the resection of extensive rectal neoplasms. A prospective study is required to assess whether these results can be reproduced in a large cohort of patients.

Achalasia is a rare benign esophageal motility disease caused by the impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which results from nerve damage. Patients with achalasia are known to have a high risk of esophageal cancer. Here, we present the case of a patient with achalasia and esophageal cancer in whom the Lugol‐voiding areas (LVAs) could be improved by pneumatic dilation and the extending area of esophagus cancer could become clear. In achalasia patients, LVAs are modified by inflammation and appear wider than their actual size. Moreover, some parts of LVAs in achalasia patients might be reversible by treatments that improve delayed emptying. When the spread of esophagus cancer is unclear due to the detection of numerous LVAs by Lugol chromoendoscopy, the treatments that improve delayed emptying first may be effective in accurately diagnosing the extending area of esophagus cancer.

Background and study aims Adequate mucosal elevation by submucosal injection is crucial for patient safety and efficiency during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin glue (FG) as a long-lasting submucosal injection agent and to evaluate the technical feasibility of FG injection for ESD. Materials and methods To compare the capabilities of different agents in maintaining submucosal evaluation, we injected FG, hyaluronic acid solution, and normal saline into the porcine gastric specimen that was incised into approximately 5 × 5 cm squares. Then, we measured the height of submucosal elevations over time. Moreover, three hypothetical lesions from the resected porcine stomach underwent ESD with FG injection. Thereafter, we conducted macroscopic and histopathologic analyses. Results FG maintained the greatest submucosal elevation among all the injection agents. Three ESD procedures were performed with en bloc resection. Both macroscopic and histopathologic findings showed a thick FG clot on the ulcers. Conclusions The FG solution can be potentially used as an ESD submucosal injection agent in an in vitro model.

Background and study aims Patients who have undergone colorectal surgery for resection of cancer and benign lesions are at risk for recurrent, residual, or metachronous lesions at the anastomosis site. Surgical resection of such lesions is difficult because of adhesions, and a stoma may be required as there are risks for leakage after resection. The feasibility and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for these lesions remain unknown. Therefore, this case series aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of ESD by evaluating the clinical outcomes. Patients and methods We retrospectively investigated five patients who underwent ESD by a single expert for superficial neoplastic lesions at the anastomosis site after previous colorectal surgery. Results R0 resections were achieved for all lesions. Mean procedure time was 160.6 minutes. Mean dimensions of the resected specimen and tumor were 52.4 mm and 31.8mm, respectively. None of the patients had complications or recurrence after surveillance colonoscopy 1-year post-resection. Conclusions In an expert’s hands, ESD at the anastomosis site might be feasible minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplastic lesions.

Background and study aims Previously, we reported that esophageal muscle layer thickness was associated with technical complexity of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). However, there are no data regarding the mid-term effects of POEM procedures on esophageal muscle layer thickness. Therefore, we conducted this study to elucidate mid-term effects of POEM procedures, and to examine whether postoperative changes in esophageal muscle layer thickness were related to particular clinico-pathological features in patients with esophageal motility disorders. Patients and methods Seventy-four consecutive patients with esophageal motility disorders who underwent POEM at Kobe University Hospital from April 2015 to December 2016 were prospectively recruited into this study. First, we investigated the esophageal muscle layer thickness values obtained at 1 year after POEM. Second, we evaluated the effects of a reduction in muscle layer thickness on various clinico-pathological features. Results At 1 year after POEM, mean thickness of the inner circular muscle at 0 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm from the esophagogastric junction was 1.06 ± 0.45 mm, 0.99 ± 0.36 mm, and 0.97 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. Among all sites, muscle layer thickness had significantly decreased after POEM. However, univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that no clinical factors were associated with esophageal muscle layer thickness after POEM procedure. Conclusions We demonstrated for the first time that thickness of the esophageal muscle layer was significantly decreased after POEM. This result reveals that changes in esophageal muscle layer thickness caused by esophageal motility disorders are reversible.

Background and study aims A 71-year-old female underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for a subcircumferential lateral-spreading rectal tumor. Pathological examination showed an intramucosal adenocarcinoma in villous adenoma (size: 155 × 140 mm), which had been curatively resected with negative margins. However, follow-up colonoscopy revealed a tumor at the ulcer scar site, which soon grew into a circumferential lesion. Nineteen months after the first ESD procedure, additional ESD was performed for the recurrent lesion, which was resected en bloc without any adverse events, although severe fibrosis was noted in the submucosa. Pathological examination revealed a villous adenoma similar to the primary lesion with negative margins, but tumor cell nests were also present in the submucosa, which implied that tumor cell implantation had occurred during the first ESD. The post-ESD ulcer bed was subjected to argon plasma coagulation to prevent tumor recurrence after confirmation of the pathological results. There have not been any signs of recurrence during 9 years of follow-up.

Background and study aims A post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) scar is expected to look homogeneous, however, some patients develop benign polypoid nodule scar (PNS). Incidence of PNS is unknown, yet these scars have direct clinical implications because they may render evaluation of post-ESD neoplastic recurrence difficult. Therefore, we reviewed the clinical experience of 5 ESD referral centers and evaluated their PNS incidence and clinical management. Patients and methods This was a retrospective multicenter case series enrolling patients that underwent R0, curative gastric ESD from 2003 to 2015 in 5 academic centers. PNS was defined as ESD site nodularity with hyperplastic or regenerative tissue histology. Results A total of 2275 patients underwent gastric ESD with endoscopy control and 28 patients (18 men/10 women) developed PNS for overall incidence of 1.2 %. Incidence of PNS ranged from 0.15 % to 11.4 % between centers. All patients that developed PNS had primary neoplastic lesions located in the distal stomach. Considering only lesions situated in the antrum (n = 912), incidence of PNS was 3.1 %. After mean follow-up of 43 months (range 6 – 192), no malignant recurrence in the PNS has been identified. In five patients (17.8 %) PNS disappeared after a mean of 18 months. Conclusion PNS occurs exclusively after ESD in the distal stomach in approximately 3.1 % of patients. Although PNS appearance can be concerning, no malignant recurrence was observed after curative R0 resection. Therefore, PNS should be viewed as a benign alteration that does not require any type of intervention, other than endoscopic surveillance.

Background and study aims In order to perform peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) safely, retained liquid and food debris must be removed before the procedure is started. We developed a novel technique using a super-slim gastroscope, and a gastric tube to remove retained food debris in achalasia patients. In this study, the safety and efficacy of this novel technique were investigated Patients and methods Eleven patients with achalasia were enrolled in this study and underwent this novel method for esophageal clearance. Results All patients had complete clearance of the retained food debris using this method. The median procedure time (range) was 13 (6 – 30) minutes. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) and one minor AE of mucosal erythema due to mucosal suctioning. Conclusion This novel method for esophageal clearance is safe and effective in achalasia patients with large amounts of retained food debris.

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for duodenal tumors results in a high delayed perforation rate due to the thinness of the duodenal wall. In most cases with perforation after duodenal ESD, additional surgery is needed due to severe peritonitis. A newly developed procedure, laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors (D-LECS), may help to avoid perforation after ESD. In our institution, patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADET) smaller than 50 mm which could not have en-bloc resection by endoscopic mucosal resection were treated with D-LECS. After a laparoscopic exposure of anterior duodenal wall of second portion, ESD was performed. Laparoscopic suturing from the serosal side of ESD site was performed for reinforcement. There were neither postoperative leakage nor other complications. Therefore, D-LECS can be performed safely and prevent perforation after ESD for SNADET. D-LECS could be selected as a treatment for SNADET which can be cured by ESD.

Background and study aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an evolving new treatment strategy for achalasia. Although several kinds of electrosurgical knives have been used in performing POEM, the best device has yet to be determined. The FlushKnife BT is a waterjet-emitting short needle-knife with a small ball tip (BT) that offers the potential to perform all aspects of POEM with a single device. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficiency of the FlushKnife BT for POEM. Patients and methods A total of 54 consecutive patients with achalasia and other spastic esophageal motility disorders, such as jackhammer esophagus or distal esophageal spasm, who underwent POEM between January 2016 and August 2016, were included in this retrospective study. Results The median operation time was 73.0 minutes (range 39 – 184 minutes). All procedures were completed using only the FlushKnife BT without changing to any other electrosurgical instrument. The median number of additional submucosal injections with an injection needle was 0 (range 0 – 1). Endoscopic vessel sealing was performed a mean of 3 times (range 0 – 7). The median number of bleeding episodes requiring treatment with hemostatic forceps was 0 (range 0 – 5). There were no significant adverse events. Seven of 52 patients (13.5 %) reported symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn or acid reflux at 3 month follow-up. Conclusions The FlushKnife BT enabled POEM to be performed with very few device exchanges, either for re-injection or to control intraoperative bleeding. In this uncontrolled case series, the ability of the FlushKnife BT to perform nearly all aspects of the POEM procedure seems to make it particularly well suited to this procedure.

Background and study aims A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with a rectal tumor extending through the submucosal layer. The patient refused surgery and therefore endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was pursued. The lesion exhibited the muscle retraction sign. After dissecting circumferentially around the fibrotic area by double tunneling method, a myotomy was performed through the internal circular muscle layer, creating a plane of dissection between the internal circular muscle layer and the external longitudinal muscle layer, and a myectomy was completed. The pathologic specimen verified T1b grade 1 sprouting adenocarcinoma with 4350 µm invasion into the submucosa with negative resection margins.

Backgrounds. With respect to the knife’s design in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), diameter, water jet function, and electric power are important because these relate to efficient dissection. In this study, we analyzed a novel, narrow ball tip-typed ESD knife with water jet function (Flush knife BT-S, diameter: 2.2 mm, length: 2000 mm, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan) compared to a regular diameter knife (Flush knife BT, diameter: 2.6 mm, length: 1800 mm). Methods. In laboratory and clinical research, electric power, knife insertion time, vacuum/suction amount with knife in the endoscopic channel, and water jet function were analyzed. We used a knife 2.0 mm long for BT-S and BT knives. Results. The BT-S showed faster mean knife insertion time (sec) and better vacuum amount (ml/min) compared to the BT (insertion time: 16.7 versus 21.6, p

Nos países ocidentais, o carcinoma de células escamosas de esôfago (CCE) geralmente é detectado em estágio avançado, quando as possibilidades de cura são remotas e o prognóstico reservado. Entretanto, nos anos recentes, ocorreu uma série de avanços na abordagem do CCE de esôfago, tais como a identificação dos grupos de risco para o surgimento desta neoplasia; o uso da endoscopia de alta resolução e cromoendoscopia com lugol favorecendo o diagnóstico do CCE em estágios iniciais; e o desenvolvimento de técnicas endoscópicas de ressecção tumoral endoluminal em monobloco denominada dissecção endoscópica de submucosa. Este progresso tem possibilitado a aplicação do tratamento endoscópico minimamente invasivo com potencial curativo em pacientes selecionados com CCE superficial de esôfago. O presente artigo de revisão, elaborado por um grupo multicêntrico internacional, tem como objetivo primário contribuir para o entendimento dos principais avanços recentes ocorridos no manejo do CCE precoce de esôfago. Como objetivo secundário, pretende propiciar uma revisão detalhada e minuciosa da estratégia técnica de DES desenvolvida pelos experts japoneses, de forma a colaborar para a difusão deste conceito e a incorporação destas tecnologias na Medicina Brasileira e Latino-americana.Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) has a dismal prognosis mainly because its recognition in Western countries usually occurs in late stages, when the possibilities of cure are minimal. However, in recent years, several advances have been observed in the management of ESSC, such as the identification of high-risk patients, the use of high-resolution endoscopy and lugol chromoscopy favoring the diagnosis of early stage ESCC, and the development of endoluminal techniques of en-block tumor resection, namely endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). These factors have enabled the application of endoscopic minimally invasive curative interventions in selected patients with superficial ESCC. This review article, designed by a multicenter international group, has the primary objective to provide a comprehensive overview of the most important recent advances in the management of ESCC. Secondarily it intends to provide a detailed and practical description of the technical approach to ESD in order to facilitate the dissemination of this concept and the incorporation of this new technologies in Brazil and in Latin-America.

Background and study aims: During colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), the feature of a muscle layer being pulled toward a neoplastic tumor is sometimes detected. We call this feature the muscle-retracting sign (MR sign). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the MR sign is associated with particular types of neoplastic lesions and whether it has any clinical significance for ESD sessions. Patients and methods: A total of 329 patients underwent ESD for 357 colorectal neoplasms. The frequency of positivity for the MR sign was evaluated in different morphologic and histopathologic types of neoplasm. The success rate of complete resection and the incidence of complications were also evaluated according to whether lesions were positive or negative for the MR sign. Results: The rates of positivity for the MR sign in the various lesion types were as follows: laterally spreading tumor – granular nodular mixed type (LST-G-M), 9.6 %; laterally spreading tumor – granular homogeneous type (LST-G-H) and laterally spreading tumor – nongranular type (LST-NG), 0 %; sessile type, 41.2 %. The resection rate was 100 % (329 /329) in lesions negative for the MR sign; however, it was 64.3 % (18 /28) in lesions positive for the MR sign, which was significantly lower (P

In order to expand the availability of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), measures to facilitate the procedure are necessary. When bleeding occurs, the examiner’s field of vision is critically impaired, and ESD becomes less efficient and more hazardous because of the presence of submucosal hematoma and covered blood clot. We propose the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) irrigation as a simple and effective measure to improve visibility during submucosal dissection, particularly when bleeding occurs. PEG irrigation facilitates further dissection by allowing a better recognition of the submucosal fibers and muscularis propria layer.

Nos países ocidentais, o carcinoma de células escamosas de esôfago (CCE) geralmente é detectado em estágio avançado, quando as possibilidades de cura são remotas e o prognóstico reservado. Entretanto, nos anos recentes, ocorreu uma série de avanços na abordagem do CCE de esôfago, tais como a identificação dos grupos de risco para o surgimento desta neoplasia; o uso da endoscopia de alta resolução e cromoendoscopia com lugol favorecendo o diagnóstico do CCE em estágios iniciais; e o desenvolvimento de técnicas endoscópicas de ressecção tumoral endoluminal em monobloco denominada dissecção endoscópica de submucosa. Este progresso tem possibilitado a aplicação do tratamento endoscópico minimamente invasivo com potencial curativo em pacientes selecionados com CCE superficial de esôfago. O presente artigo de revisão, elaborado por um grupo multicêntrico internacional, tem como objetivo primário contribuir para o entendimento dos principais avanços recentes ocorridos no manejo do CCE precoce de esôfago. Como objetivo secundário, pretende propiciar uma revisão detalhada e minuciosa da estratégia técnica de DES desenvolvida pelos experts japoneses, de forma a colaborar para a difusão deste conceito e a incorporação destas tecnologias na Medicina Brasileira e Latino-americana.