Gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) manifests itself as severe heartburn caused by stomach acid refluxing up into the esophagus or the regurgitation of stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Chronic GERD is a prevalent disorder reaching epidemic proportion worldwide, affecting 5-7% of the population daily.

Although drug therapy is successful in many cases, about 25% of GERD patients do not respond to drugs or may only have limited relief. Patients who are refractory to drug treatment and have GERD related symptoms are referred for endoscopy and then for further tests, such as pH-metry and manometry. Many of these patients may be referred for minimally invasive surgery as a remedy. The correct selection of patients who will most benefit from surgery is key to its success. EndoFLIP® is an ideal tool for determining the best surgical candidates.

Accurately diagnosing GERD and assessing the success of surgery are crucial to treating the condition. Dysfunction of the valve between the esophagus and stomach, known as the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), is thought to be the prime cause of GERD.

Presently available GERD diagnostic tools are less effective in assessing the dysfunction of the valve, which gives rise to an urgent need for a clinically acceptable imaging platform that provides the most relevant information to diagnose GERD.

The EndoFLIP® (Endoscopic Functional Lumen Imaging Probe) is a revolutionary new device that measures the competence of this valve. It enables precise measurement of the distensibility and functional diameter of the top of the stomach (sphincter region), and therefore serves as a valuable tool for gastroenterologists.