Top 10 Benefits of Including WATS^3D in Your Routine Endoscopy Workflow

WATS^3D: Versatile Detection Across All Barrett’s Presentations

WATS^3D’s strength lies in its ability to find more disease,
regardless of the clinical scenario or BE segment length.

A groundbreaking study by Shaheen et al., published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2024), provides the
latest evidence of WATS^3D’s screening prowess. This study shows that WATS^3D significantly enhances detection rates in the very first line of defense: screening symptomatic GERD patients. Without WATS^3D’, 1-in-5 patients would have left undiagnosed with BE, underlining WATS^3D’s role in early intervention.

Similarly, Smith et al. (Diseases of the Esophagus, 2019) found that WATS^3D significantly increased detection of esophageal dysplasia (ED) and BE in patients with no prior significantly increased detection of esophageal dysplasia (ED) and BE in patients with no prior history of BE. This isn’t just incremental improvement; it’s a game-changer for early detection and prevention.

In a recent study, Trindade et al. (Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2023) showed that WATS^3D’s benefits are not limited by BE segment length. Their study concluded that WATS^3D is equally effective for screening and surveillance across all BE segment lengths, from ultra- short to long segments. This versatility means that WATS^3D enhances care for all patients at risk, not just those with established long-segment BE.

WATS^3D: Redefining Detection Across the Esophageal Health Spectrum

WATS^3D’s utility spans the entire spectrum of BE care: initial screening, surveillance of any segment length, and even post-ablation monitoring. WATS^3D is a universal asset that improves disease detection. Whether it’s a patient’s first GERD-related endoscopy or long-term surveillance of known BE, WATS^3D elevates the standard of care, ensuring more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes across the board.

WATS^3D: AI-Enhanced, Pathologist-Driven Diagnosis

WATS^3D incorporates AI technology to bolster pathological accuracy while complementing current practices. It uses neural network AI-analysis to enhance the diagnostic process rather than replace it. Your in-house pathology team will still analyze forceps specimens, maintaining your established workflow while gaining the added benefit of WATS^3D’s wide-area sampling and AI-assisted analysis to catch abnormalities that forceps might miss.

A ‘Spell-Check’ for Cells

WATS^3D’s neural network doesn’t make the diagnosis, it enhances the ability of the pathologist to make an improved diagnosis. Think of it as a “spell-check” for cells. Just as spell-check highlights potential errors for a writer to review, WATS^3D’s AI ranks cells and cell clusters, highlighting the most suspicious areas for pathologists. This is crucial because even the most skilled pathologists can experience visual fatigue when reviewing thousands of cells. The AI ensures that high-risk areas aren’t overlooked, significantly reducing pathological misses.

Comprehensive Information for a More Definitive Diagnosis

Far from making diagnoses, WATS^3D provides pathologists with a wealth of information: traditional histology samples, AI-enhanced analysis highlighting potential concerns, and additional immunohistochemistry and biomarkers offering insights into cell behavior. Pathologists integrate all this data, applying their expertise to render a final diagnosis. The computer doesn’t decide; it enhances the pathologist’s ability to make accurate, informed decisions.

Human Expertise, AI-Empowered

WATS^3D represents a synergy of human expertise and technological innovation. The AI acts as an invaluable aid, but human interpretation remains at the core, leading to more consistent, accurate diagnoses and optimized patient care.

WATS^3D: Intuitive Technique, Seamless Integration

The WATS^3D brush biopsy technique is substantially similar to standard cytology brushes that physicians have been using for years. Just as doctors are adept at using cytology brushes in various anatomical locations, they find the transition to WATS^3D biopsy instrument natural and intuitive. This familiarity means most clinicians are proficient with WATS^3D after just a few procedures.

Beyond the technique, WATS^3D is engineered for easy incorporation into existing workflows. Physicians report that it fits seamlessly into their endoscopy routine, and staff find the handling and processing straightforward.

The reality is clear: WATS^3D’s learning curve is gentle, making its powerful diagnostic capabilities immediately accessible to any practice.

WATS^3D: Rapid Sampling, Comprehensive Coverage

WATS^3D offers a significant time advantage over the Seattle protocol. The brush collection takes just 2-3 minutes, and even less for experienced endoscopists. This efficiency stems from its broader sampling approach. Unlike the Seattle protocol’s requirement for multiple biopsies every 1-2 cm across four quadrants, WATS^3D collects cells from a much larger esophageal surface area in a single step.

While some might believe this time savings is only relevant for long segments of Barrett’s esophagus, research has shown WATS^3D to be effective for screening and surveillance regardless of segment length.

Easily Incorporate into Your Practice Workflow

1. Access reports within 5-7 days via online portal
2. Kits are available at no cost to your practice.
3. Free overnight shipping (both ways)

What Your Colleagues Say About WATS3D and Time-Efficiency

WATS^3D: Cost-Effective Innovation in Barrett’s Screening

A rigorous analysis published by Singer, et al. (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2020) examined the cost-effectiveness of using WATS^3D plus forceps biopsies (FB) for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) screening in a 60-year-old male. Their findings are compelling: the combined approach of WATS^3D plus FB was cost-effective in 8 out of 9 scenarios analyzed, using the widely accepted U.S. threshold of $100,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY). Even more convincingly, when considering the increasingly recognized threshold of $150,000 per QALY, WATS^3D plus FB was cost-effective in all 9 scenarios.

This study underscores that adding WATS^3D to standard forceps biopsies isn’t just clinically effective—it’s economically smart. By improving early detection of dysplasia and cancer, WATS^3D reduces long-term healthcare costs associated with advanced esophageal diseases, making it a financially prudent choice for both patients and healthcare systems.

WATS^3D: A Surgeon’s Ally in Esophageal Cases

As a surgeon, having reliable diagnostic information is paramount to providing the best possible care before operating. WATS^3D, recognized by Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)  Technology and Value Assessment Committee (TAVAC) and the American Foregut Society (AFS), can be a powerful tool in your pre-operative assessment.

Guiding Surgical Decisions

WATS^3D significantly increases the detection of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). A study by Kaul et al. (Diseases of the Esophagus, 2020) evaluated the clinical utility of WATS^3D when used adjunctively with forceps biopsy (FB) in 432 patients with positive WATS^3D but negative FB results. WATS^3D directly impacted management of patients with Barrett’s, low-grade and high-grade dysplasia by more than 94%. For you as a surgeon, knowing the true extent of disease can dramatically alter your surgical approach. .

Establishing a Pre-Surgery Baseline and Post-Ablation Clarity

Establishing a clear baseline before any esophageal surgery is crucial. WATS^3D’s wide-area sampling provides a more comprehensive view of the esophageal mucosa. This baseline is invaluable for post-operative follow-up.

WATS^3D is also crucial for post-ablation surveillance. After ablation for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) or dysplasia, the esophagus may look clear endoscopically. However, a study by Corbett et al. shows WATS^3D detects intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia even with no visible Barrett’s post-ablation. This ability to “see beyond the surface” provides greater assurance of complete disease clearance than traditional methods alone.

Avoiding Buried Potential Cancers

Perhaps most critically, WATS^3D prevents operating with incomplete information. A GERD patient with short-segment BE and no dysplasia on forceps might get a fundoplication. But WATS^3D might find hidden high-grade dysplasia or early EAC, drastically changing your approach. Using WATS3D pre-op reduces the risk of unintentionally burying potential cancer beneath your repair.

WATS^3D Enhances Surgical Care

WATS^3D is a valuable asset for esophageal surgeons. It provides more accurate staging, establishes critical pre-operative baselines, and helps avoid the catastrophe of operating over an undetected dysplasia or cancer. By incorporating WATS^3D into your pre-operative workup, you’re not just adopting a new diagnostic tool; you’re enhancing your ability to make informed surgical decisions and provide the best possible care for your patients.

WATS^3D and Forceps: Same Pathology, Better Detection

Histological abnormalities found by WATS^3D carry the same clinical significance as those found by forceps biopsies – Barrett’s esophagus (BE), dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The difference lies in WATS^3D’s superior ability to find these lesions.

Proven Pathological Equivalence

Numerous studies confirm that WATS^3D not only finds more abnormalities but that these findings are histologically identical to those from forceps. Smith et al. multicenter study (Diseases of the Esophagus 2019) found WATS3D increased detection of high-grade dysplasia and EAC by 242%. These were traditional pathological findings, just detected more often.

Progression Study: Validating WATS^3D

A landmark study by Shaheen et al. (Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2021) validated the clinical significance of WATS^3D findings. They showed that non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (NDBE) detected by WATS^3D has a very low progression risk, similar to forceps- detected NDBE. Importantly, WATS^3D-identified crypt dysplasia (CD) was confirmed as a neoplastic precursor with a progression risk between NDBE and low-grade dysplasia (LGD). This study underscores that WATS^3D detects the same pathologies as forceps, with the added benefit of identifying meaningful pathology, precursor lesions like CD that forceps often miss.

Conclusion: Same Pathology, Better Outcomes

WATS^3D detects the same Barrett’s, dysplasia, and cancer as forceps, but with greater sensitivity. Studies consistently show it finds more disease, and the Shaheen study confirms these findings carry the same clinical implications. By adopting WATS^3D, you’re not changing the pathology you’re looking for; you’re just finding it more reliably. This leads to earlier interventions and, ultimately, better patient outcomes.

Limitations of the Gold Standard

Despite being the gold standard for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) screening and surveillance, random forceps biopsies have significant inherent limitations.

1. Limited Sampling: Only 5-10% of the entire BE mucosa
2. Low Adherence: Time-consuming, decrease in dysplasia detection due to low real-world adherence to biopsy intervals. ¹
3. Sampling Bias: Biopsied areas randomly determined.
4. Inter-observer Variability: High dysplasia (50%) misclassification rates between pathologists. ²

Enter WATS^3D: A Paradigm Shift

WATS^3D (Wide Area Transepithelial Sampling with 3D Analysis) addresses these limitations head-on. By sampling a much larger area and providing 3D cell clusters and a neural network assisted analysis, WATS^3D significantly increases detection rates.

Compelling Growing Body of Clinical Evidence

Conclusion: Enhancing the Standard

Random forceps biopsies, despite being the historical gold standard, have significant limitations.WATS^3D doesn’t replace this technique but powerfully enhances it. By overcoming sampling errors and providing 3D samples for specialized analysis, WATS^3D is transforming BE management. The growing body of evidence (22+ published studies) consistently shows increased detection rates, earlier intervention, and ultimately, the potential for better patient outcomes. It’s time to elevate our gold standard by embracing WATS^3D.

Expert Recognition:

The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Technology and Value Assessment Committee (TAVAC)1 has affirmed WATS3D’s value, stating “WATS^3D is a safe and effective adjunct to forceps biopsies in the evaluation of Barrett’s esophagus, Low Grade Dysplasia, and High Grade Dysplasia.” This recognition from a leading gastrointestinal society highlights WATS^3D’s outstanding safety profile and its valuable role in enhancing biopsy procedures.

Proven Track Record

WATS^3D safety is backed by an impressive clinical history. Over 400,000 WATS^3D procedures have been performed to date, showcasing its widespread adoption and seamless integration into clinical practice. This extensive use without significant safety issues reported in the literature is a testament to WATS^3D’s reliability and the confidence healthcare providers place in this technology.

Enhancing Pathology Capabilities

In published studies where WATS^3D is used as an adjunct, WATS^3D has helped overcame sampling error and demonstrated increased detection of BE and dysplasia. This means WATS^3D enhances, rather than replaces, your current biopsy protocol. Your in-house pathology team will still analyze forceps specimens, maintaining your established workflow while gaining the added benefit ofWATS^3D’s wide-area sampling to catch abnormalities that forceps might miss.

Specialized Expertise

WATS^3D specimens require a proprietary diagnostic platform and analysis by GI pathologists specially trained in WATS^3D technology. This specialized training ensures accurate interpretation of the three-dimensional cell clusters obtained by WATS^3D, providing you with reliable results that can significantly impact patient management.

Partnering for Precision

Findings in a recent Interobserver study (Deepa T. Patil et al. 2024) showed significantly higher interobserver agreement, and a high level of accuracy and reproducibility among GI pathologists who have had no prior experience with the WATS^3D platform.

WATS^3D complements rather than replaces forceps biopsies and traditional pathology. It adds diagnostic value without disrupting established pathology workflows, enhancing detection capabilities.

WATS^3D is:

• A complete solution to enhance your EGDs.

• Effective in screening & surveillance of BE and dysplasia, regardless of the BE segment length.

• Finds more BE and dysplasia than forceps alone.

• AI-enhanced, but all diagnoses are made by expert human GI pathologists.

• Identifying “real” pathology with proven pathological equivalence to forceps.

• Cost-effective for Barrett’s Screening

• Time-efficient. Takes only 2-3 minutes to perform (less when experienced)

• Easy to learn (similar to other cytology techniques)

• A surgeons ally: Helping guide surgical decisions

• Enhances, rather than replaces, your current biopsy protocol. 

• • Kits are available at no cost to your practice.

  • Free overnight shipping (both ways)

  • Access reports within 5-7 days via online portal or fax.