Stimulation Therapy Treats Acid Reflux Disease

A novel stimulation system uses low energy electrical pulses to strengthen a weak or dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, the underlying cause of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The EndoStim system is implanted through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, and is intended to treat GERD (also known as acid reflux) and eliminate the need for patients to receive daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. The EndoStim device is based on a technology that delivers tiny electrical pulses from an implantable pulse generator (IPG) through a bipolar lead implanted in the patient’s LES, stimulating the muscle and restoring a functional barrier between the stomach and the esophagus.


The electrical stimulation relieves both regurgitation and heartburn symptoms and prevents long-term esophageal damage from acid exposure. In clinical trials, the treatment was able to significantly reduce acid exposure and related symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Patients also experienced sustained improvement in LES pressure and function, normal swallowing, relief from nighttime symptoms, reduction in reflux events, reduction in esophageal acid exposure, and sustained improvement in GERD symptoms and quality of life. The EndoStim system is a product of EndoStim (St. Louis. MO. USA), and has received the European Community CE marking.

“EndoStim is very excited to offer a truly revolutionary treatment to patients with severe GERD, one that is designed to normalize esophageal function,” said Bevil Hogg, president and CEO of EndoStim. “EndoStim is working closely with leading GERD experts throughout the world to develop ‘Centers of Excellence’ offering EndoStim treatment for the millions of GERD sufferers worldwide.”

“I believe that EndoStim LES stimulation therapy is the ideal treatment option for patients with severe GERD who are unhappy with their medical therapy or want freedom from life-long dependence on medications,” said Leonardo Rodriguez, MD, lead investigator for the CE Mark clinical trial conducted in Santiago (Chile). “I am very impressed with the clinical results and look forward to offering EndoStim therapy to my GERD patients.”

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