Cook Medical today commercially launched its Hercules 100 Transnasal Esophageal Balloon in the U.S.

The balloon is designed specifically for trans nasal esophageal procedures and is another tool for ENT physicians to help treat esophageal strictures.

“This balloon was specifically designed with ENT physicians and their patients in mind. The balloon is much shorter than what is currently on the market, and it’s tailored to the scope that ENTs commonly use, as well as the patient anatomy they treat,” Thomas Cherry, director of Cook Medical’s otolaryngology, said in a news release. “Because this procedure can be done in an office, patients can potentially be treated the same day that they are evaluated, rather than having to wait weeks or months to get scheduled into the operating room. This is just one example of how Cook’s OHNS team is innovating minimally invasive options for physicians and patients.”

Hercules 100 is a medication of the company’s existing Hercules 3 Stage Balloon, which is designed for gastrointestinal use. The Hercules 100 ballon is 140 cm shorter than its counterpart and is inserted transnasally where general anesthesia is not required.

The balloon is made of strong and flexible P.E.T. Flex material that allows for three-stage dilation without conforming to esophageal structures. It can also be used with an endoscope camera during procedures to allow physicians to see inside the esophagus to ensure the balloon is placed accurately.