Quality Healthcare

Sixty (60) million Americans experience heartburn monthly and 15-25 million have daily heartburn. About 19 million take medication for heartburn at least twice weekly. If you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, you know what it's like to suffer from the burning discomfort of acid reflux. You may also know what it is like to experience

• Difficult and/or painful swallowing
• Chest Pain
• Coughing or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat

GERD is caused by the reflux, or backflow, of stomach acid up into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach). In many patients, this backflow occurs because the gate or valve (referred to as a sphincter) separating the stomach from the esophagus relaxes. This relaxation allows acid to flow out of the stomach up into your esophagus, where it causes burning sensations and other symptoms. In most cases, GERD is a chronic condition that requires some type of long-term, if not life-long, medical attention. Traditional treatments have included life style modifications, medications, and surgery.

Normally, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) prevents gastric acid from refluxing into the esophagus and irritating the esophageal lining. However, heartburn occurs when the LES relaxes too frequently and it's resting pressure drops, allowing the reflux.

The medical community has long sought to develop better procedures that are less invasive than current methods. The advancement of the flexible endoscope and certain endoscopic procedures has prompted the development of an endoscopic suturing device which can offer advantages over the current anti-reflux surgeries without the significant and not infrequent risks associated with these procedures and normally without the requirements of general anesthesia.

BRAVO pH Monitoring System

The Bravo pH Monitoring System is The Bravo System is intended for gastro-esophageal pH measurement and monitoring of gastric reflux. The Bravo System is designed to minimize the discomfort associated with transnasal catheters. Bravo is the world's first catheter-free pH system that allows patients to enjoy their regular diet and activities without the embarrassment and discomfort associated with traditional pH monitoring.

By replacing the catheter in the esophagus with a small capsule containing a radiotransmitter, patients using the Bravo system can participate in their everyday activities during the pH study period. The study results obtained with a Bravo system are more representative of a patient's normal day, and because 48 hours of a data can be recorded, more data is available to the physician.

The miniature Bravo pH capsule is approximately the size of a gel cap. The capsule is temporarily inserted by means of a customized delivery system, and is often placed during an endoscopy. Once the capsule is in place, the delivery system is removed. Data is transmitted to a receiver worn by the patient which is the size and weight of a conventional pager. The capsule naturally sloughs off the esophagus after a few days and passes through the digestive tract.

The results of this test will help your physician determine the treatment that is most appropriate for you.

EndoCinch

EndoCinch, a non-surgical suturing system, may relieve your symptoms and provide you with the freedom you've been waiting for.

With the assistance of C. Paul Swain, M.D., Royal London Hospital, C.R. Bard Inc., Bard Interventional Products Division, Division of Billercia, Massachusetts, has developed the Bard EndoCinch Suturing System (BESS) to facilitate the placement of stitches within the upper gastrointestinal tract. This device could alleviate the symptoms of GERD, thus offering patients an excellent alternative to daily medication while avoiding the risks associated with an invasive surgical procedure.

A clear advantage of the FDA-cleared BESS is that in most cases it can be performed under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. Performed on an outpatient basis, the patient can usually go home the same day and return to normal activities of daily living the next day.

Enteryx

The Enteryx procedure is an alternative treatment to long-term drug use or anti-reflux surgery for GERD. The Enteryx procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option, performed on an outpatient basis. Enteryx is a liquid polymeric material that is injected into the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), through and endoscope. Enteryx forms a soft, spongy permanent implant in the sphincter muscle. Enteryx is intended to reduce the symptoms of GER by helping the LES keep stomach fluids and acids from backing up into the esophagus. It does not affect the stomach's ability to produce acid or other digestive fluids.

You should consider having this procedure only if you have been diagnosed by your doctor as having persistent symptoms and you have need regular use of medications.

Posted by Admin