Identification. An esophageal dilator is a device that consists of a cylindrical instrument that may be hollow and weighted with mercury or a metal olive-shaped weight that slides on a guide, such as a string or wire and is used to dilate a stricture of the esophagus. This generic type of device includes esophageal or gastrointestinal bougies and the esophageal dilator (metal olive).
Classification. Class II (performance standards).