Endoscopic Device for Treating GERD

A new device designed for the transoral treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) eliminates the need for surgical incisions. The device has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Called the Plicator, the device secures and fixates tissue at the gastroesophageal junction to restore the natural anti-reflux barrier, using direct endoscopic visualization throughout the procedure. The Plicator is intended to provide a lasting solution to GERD. Current treatment options range from prescription medications to laparoscopic surgery. Although medications can relieve heartburn, they often require a life-long regimen and do not treat the underlying mechanical defect causing the problem.

"Typically, procedures took 20 minutes or less, with patients going home within a few hours of treatment,” said Dr. Douglas Pleskow, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA, USA), principal investigator for a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Plicator. "Thus far, we've been encouraged by our results, with most patients experiencing symptom relief while discontinuing their daily prescription medications for heartburn.”

The Plicator was developed by NDO Surgical (Mansfield, MA, USA), a medical technology company dedicated to the development of endoscopic solutions for gastrointestinal disease.




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