Radiofrequency Energy Systems Treat Reflux and Incontinence

Innovative systems for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bowel control disorder (BCD) include a streamlined user interface and significant improvements in ease of use.

The Stretta system for the treatment of GERD is based on an endoscopically guided, minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed in 60 minutes or less. Using the Stretta Catheter, precise and safe delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), muscle, and gastric cardia is achieved. As the treated areas heal, the barrier function of the LES is augmented, reducing the frequency and severity of reflux events. There is no hospital stay involved with the Stretta procedure and patients are typically able to return to normal activities the following day.


The Secca system for BCD involves similar delivery of RF energy to the muscles of the anal canal, which results in a change in tissue compliance and corresponding improvement in incontinence symptoms. The outpatient procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, and it is performed in an endoscopy suite or ambulatory surgery unit with the patient under general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation. Patients return home approximately one to two hours after the procedure, and typically resume normal activities within several days. The Stretta and Secca systems are products of Mederi Therapeutics (Greenwich, CT, USA), and have received the European Community (CE) marking of approval.

"As the only endoluminal therapies for GERD and BCD, the interest and demand for these novel technologies is extremely high,” said Will Rutan, CEO and president of Mederi Therapeutics. "It was exciting to witness the overwhelming response to Stretta and Secca, resulting in numerous requests to purchase Mederi products.”

Both ultra-minimally invasive technologies are small, light, and highly portable, and are based on the same operating procedure. The physician positions the device and deploys the needle electrodes, resulting in RF energy streamed in a controlled manner to the tissue surrounding the needle electrodes; the treatment sequence is repeated to create well-defined thermal lesions in the muscles; as a result, transient muscle relaxations are reduced by the disruption of nerve pathways within the area. Over time, the treated areas resorb and the tissue remodels, further increasing resistance to sudden relaxation.

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Mederi Therapeutics