Nicklaus Children's Brings Sedation-Free Scopes to South Florida

MIAMI, FL – April 22, 2026 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital has become the first medical center in South Florida to offer a revolutionary, sedation-free method for examining the upper digestive tract in children. By adopting the EvoEndo® System for transnasal endoscopy (TNE), the hospital is providing a less invasive and more convenient alternative to traditional procedures that require general anesthesia, marking a significant step forward for pediatric gastroenterology in the region.

The new technology allows pediatric specialists to guide an ultra-slim, single-use camera through the nose to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. This approach eliminates the risks, costs, and logistical hurdles associated with sedation, which has long been the standard for pediatric endoscopy.

"Nicklaus Children's Hospital is setting a new standard for pediatric care by offering families a sedation-free alternative to traditional endoscopy," said Jonathan Hartmann, CEO of EvoEndo, the medical device company behind the system. The hospital's program, led by a team of dedicated specialists, aims to transform the diagnostic experience for countless children and their families.

A New Standard in Pediatric Diagnostics

For decades, pediatric upper endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), has been a vital tool for diagnosing conditions ranging from acid reflux to celiac disease. However, the procedure has traditionally required patients to undergo general anesthesia or deep sedation. This involves lengthy pre-procedure fasting, the placement of an intravenous (IV) line, and a prolonged recovery period as the anesthesia wears off.

The sedation-free TNE procedure fundamentally changes this paradigm. The EvoEndo Model LE Gastroscope is a sterile, single-use device with a diameter small enough to be comfortably passed through a child's nasal passage after a topical numbing agent is applied. The entire procedure is typically completed in 5 to 10 minutes, with the total office visit lasting under an hour. To keep children calm and comfortable, the system often incorporates a virtual reality (VR) headset, immersing the patient in a game or video as a distraction.

“Transnasal endoscopy offers many potential benefits for patients and their families,” said Dr. Laura Irastorza, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. She added, “It can be performed in an outpatient office without lengthy advance fasting and eliminates the need for placement of an intravenous line, and the longer recovery time associated with anesthesia.”

While new to South Florida, the technology has a proven track record at other leading pediatric centers across the United States. Institutions like Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have performed hundreds of unsedated TNE procedures with a patient tolerance rate exceeding 98%. This established success provides a strong foundation for the program at Nicklaus Children's.

Easing the Burden on Children and Families

The most immediate impact of this innovation is on the quality of life for young patients and their caregivers. The need for frequent diagnostic scopes can place a significant strain on families, particularly those managing chronic conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus that often requires multiple endoscopies to monitor treatment.

Dr. Carla Perez, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Nicklaus Children's and co-director of the gastroenterology fellowship program, explained the disruption traditional procedures cause. “The need for multiple upper endoscopies can be quite disruptive for families. Each endoscopy procedure can result in a missed day of school and work for the child and accompanying family members,” she stated. “Families often welcome transnasal endoscopy to minimize disruption of their daily lives, and avoid the inconvenience and cost of sedation.”

With TNE, a child can undergo a necessary diagnostic procedure in the morning and potentially be back in the classroom by the afternoon. This shift from a full-day hospital affair to a quick outpatient visit reduces stress, lost income for parents, and missed educational opportunities for children.

The growing acceptance of this method is underscored by its recent inclusion in the 2025 clinical guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology for EoE, which now recognize sedation-free TNE as a valuable tool. This endorsement from a leading professional body signals a broader clinical shift toward safer and more patient-centered diagnostic options.

A Strategic Move for South Florida Healthcare

By launching the region's first sedation-free TNE program, Nicklaus Children's Hospital reinforces its position as a leader in pediatric innovation within the competitive South Florida healthcare market. The move aligns with a national trend of top-tier hospitals adopting technologies that prioritize patient safety and convenience.

EvoEndo, which has raised over $20 million in funding, has strategically partnered with prominent children's hospitals to roll out its system. Nicklaus Children's joins a prestigious network that includes the first adopters in California (Children's Hospital Los Angeles), Ohio (University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital), and New Jersey (Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital), among others.

"Drs. Irastorza and Perez helped launch the Transnasal Endoscopy Program at Nicklaus Children's, and they are making a real difference for patients across South Florida," noted Hartmann. "We're proud to partner with them as they bring this option to more families."

The adoption of this technology also has significant operational and financial benefits. Moving these procedures from an operating room to an outpatient clinic setting reduces facility and staffing costs, most notably by eliminating the need for an anesthesiologist. This efficiency can help increase a hospital's capacity to perform diagnostic scopes, potentially reducing wait times and improving access to care for the entire community.

The EvoEndo system's single-use design also addresses a critical aspect of hospital safety: infection control. By providing a sterile, disposable scope for each patient, the system eliminates any risk of cross-contamination from improperly reprocessed equipment. This commitment to safety, combined with the FDA's clearance of the device for patients aged five and older, makes it a compelling choice for pediatric institutions focused on delivering the highest standard of care. This shift toward less invasive diagnostics represents not just a technological upgrade, but a fundamental improvement in how healthcare is delivered to some of the most vulnerable patients.