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By Brian G. Grady, Product Marketing Manager, Endoscopy, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation
The small intestine has historically been one of the most difficult regions of the gastrointestinal tract to access, often leaving patients with unexplained symptoms or delayed diagnoses. Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) has been changing that paradigm in the U.S. over the past 20 years. By enabling practitioners to navigate deep into the small bowel with precision, DBE has transformed how physicians detect, diagnose, and treat complex conditions, improving outcomes for patients and reducing the need for invasive surgical procedures.
At a recent forum, Hironori Yamamoto, MD, PhD, a distinguished professor and chairman of the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology at Jichi Medical University in Japan, shared his expertise and underscored Fujifilm’s leadership in advancing this technology. His presentation highlighted both the clinical value of DBE and the ways Fujifilm is shaping the future of small bowel endoscopy through continuous innovation, including its latest advancement, the EN-840T DBE scope offering numerous advanced features that further elevate DBE as the gold standard of nonsurgical small bowel exploration, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Power of Double Balloon EnteroscopyUsing two balloons, one at the end of the scope and one on the overtube, DBE allows physicians to pleat the intestine and progress methodically through its length. This technique opens the door to direct visualization, biopsy, and therapeutic interventions.
In his talk, Professor Yamamoto highlights the significant ways DBE has reshaped clinical practice by helping gastroenterologists to:
As Professor Yamamoto emphasizes, the result is not only more complete diagnoses but also the ability to treat small bowel disease during the same procedure. Patients benefit from quicker answers and fewer invasive procedures.
Since its inception, Fujifilm has worked alongside Professor Yamamoto to bring DBE technology from initial concepts to daily practice. Over the years, we’ve refined its design and expanded its utility to meet the evolving needs of physicians and patients.
Our most recent advancement, the EN-840T Double Balloon Enteroscopy scope, represents the latest chapter in this journey. Engineered to deliver clearer visualization, adaptive bending, and enhanced physician control, the EN-840T provides a new level of confidence for gastroenterologists navigating the complexities of the small intestine. The scope also provides a dedicated forward water jet channel for irrigation and enables clinicians to quickly clear debris like blood on the mucous membranes for clearer visualization of the bowel wall.
These innovations were recognized on a global stage when the EN-840T received a 2025 MedTech Breakthrough Award. This honor reflects Fujifilm’s role not only as the originator of DBE technology but as the ongoing leader committed to its advancement.
As Fujifilm continues to expand its gastroenterology portfolio, DBE remains central to our mission of empowering clinicians with technologies that transform patient care. The insights shared by Professor Yamamoto serve as a reminder of how innovation and collaboration can reshape an entire field of medicine.
From pioneering DBE to introducing award-winning advancements like the EN-840T, Fujifilm remains committed to leading the way in small intestine endoscopy, ensuring physicians are equipped with the tools they need to provide life-changing care for their patients.
Brian G. Grady, Product Marketing Manager, Endoscopy, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation