The purpose of this research is to assess the safety and effectiveness of circumferential radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the anal canal using the BarrxTM Ablation System to destroy anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The BarrxTM Ablation System used in this study comprises an RFA generator (Barrx™ FLEX) and the BarrxTM Anorectal Wand. The generator and wand are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use and the wand is specifically cleared for treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). AIN is a precancerous condition. HSIL is an advanced form of AIN. The presence of HSIL has traditionally warranted treatment. RFA has been shown in many studies to effectively and safely destroy precancerous cells in a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition of the esophagus (the swallowing tube). Recent studies have shown that RFA may offer the same benefits for those with HSIL in the anal canal. In particular, ablation of the entire circumference of the canal seems to reduce recurrence of HSIL in other locations of the anal canal. This study will last between 12 to 15 months. Subjects will be required to undergo 5 to 8 study visits as outlined below that are carried out by the study doctors or the physician assistant. Most visits will last approximately one hour. Some may be shorter and some may be longer. Up to seventy (70) volunteers will participate in this study at several locations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
70
The radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or Barrx™ Ablation System used in this protocol comprises an RFA generator (Barrx™ FLEX) and the Barrx™ Anorectal Wand. The generator and wand are cleared by the FDA for human use and the wand is specifically cleared for treatment of anal neoplasia. The present FDA indication for use statement is: "The Barrx™ catheters are indicated for use in the coagulation of bleeding and non-bleeding sites in the gastrointestinal tract including, but not limited to, the esophagus. Indications include esophageal ulcers, Mallory-Weiss tears, arteriovenous malformations, angiomata, Barrett's esophagus, Dieulafoy lesions, angiodysplasia, gastric antral vascular ectasia, and radiation proctitis."
Laser Surgery Care
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGPercent of patients who have histologically cleared high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) at the SCJ at 12 months as measured by HRA
Histologic clearance of all HSIL within the ETZ on a patient and lesion basis at 12 months from first RFA
Time frame: 12 months
Persistence of treated HSIL index lesions
Time frame: 3 months post RFA
Safety of circumferential ablation of anal canal HSIL using the Barrx™ Anorectal Wand as defined by number of patients with adverse events (including prolonged pain, bleeding, anal strictures, etc).
Time frame: 12 months
Percent of patients who have histologically cleared low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) at the SCJ at 12 months as measured by HRA
Time frame: 12 months
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