Minireviews
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024.
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jul 16, 2024; 16(7): 376-384
Published online Jul 16, 2024. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i7.376
Table 1 Advantages and limitations of the different modalities

Advantages
Limitations
Through-the-scope clipsMultiple sizes available; ease of access; well studiedNot suitable for large lesions or defects as can have slippage or incomplete closure; deployment challenging in certain locations (e.g., duodenal sweep)
Thermal therapy Ease of access; well studied; compatible with other modalities (e.g., injections, clips)Potential perforation; delayed bleeding
Injections (epinephrine, sclerosing agents)Cost-effective; fast onset; well studied; compatible with other modalities (e.g., thermal therapy, clips)Higher risk of rebleeding if used as monotherapy; localized tissue necrosis and ulceration; limited efficacy for larger lesions; Potential systemic side effects (e.g., tachycardia and arrhythmia with epinephrine)
Over-the-scope clipsGrasp large area; approved for perforation and fistula closures; durability; lower risk of rebleeding compared to traditional therapiesMust remove endoscope to attach application cap; difficulty positioning on target lesion; limited options for further hemostatic intervention after deployment; can be challenging to remove
Hemostatic agentsEase of application: No direct targeting needed; application to large area in short time; lower risk of tissue damageDevice malfunction: Catheter clog, early activation of powder, washing away powder; contraindicated if history of fistula; can cause biliary obstruction; risk of rebleeding after days; limited penetration of deeper lesions
Endoscopic doppler probeReal-time evaluation of vasculature; can assess for risk of rebleeding; distinguish arterial vs venous blood flowVariability in doppler signal interpretation; false signals from cardiac pulsations
Endoscopic ultrasoundCan visualize small vessels not seen on radiologic exam; can concurrently assess submucosal anatomy (e.g., tumor depth, etc.); real-time evaluation of vasculature; can assess for risk of rebleeding; distinguish arterial vs venous blood flowNeed for training in endosonography; limited portability; imaging artifacts from retained blood; not standardized for use in non-variceal GI bleeding