Comprehensive Esophageal Diagnostic and Interventional Program

In January 2025, Hoag announced the launch of its Comprehensive Esophageal Diagnostic and Interventional Program, an Innovators-funded initiative designed to deliver earlier diagnosis and faster relief for patients with complex esophageal disorders. Led by Dr. Katie Blevins, the program received a $250,000 investment in Spring 2024 to address a growing clinical need: nearly one in four U.S. adults suffers from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition that significantly affects quality of life and can progress to serious complications, including esophageal cancer, if left untreated. Diagnosing esophageal disease is often challenging and requires advanced technology alongside a highly specialized, multidisciplinary care team.

The program introduces a transformational trio of diagnostic technologies that will enhance Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute and further differentiate it as a regional leader. Mucosal Integrity Testing (MiVu) enables instant confirmation or exclusion of GERD, delivering approximately 95% diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional testing methods that may take over a week and achieve closer to 64% accuracy. EndoFLIP provides real-time, dynamic measurements of esophageal function, allowing clinicians to assess and diagnose multiple esophageal conditions efficiently. AlphaOne Wireless pH Capsule Reflux Monitoring tracks reflux activity over several days, offering a more convenient and patient-friendly experience than previous approaches.

All three technologies have been ordered and are expected to be operational at Hoag by early 2025. Once live, Hoag will be the only health care system in Orange County to offer this comprehensive diagnostic platform, strengthening its leadership position while expanding opportunities for research, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.