Omaha, NE– Dr. Charles Filipi at Creighton University Medical Center with Dr. Isaac Raijman of Texas Medical Center endoscopically treat a patient with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease using The Bard® EndoCinch™ device. The live webcast of the procedure will took place on Monday, March 3 and an archived version of that broadcast is now available. Health care professionals and patients have the ability to observe a live procedure and hear replies that the presenting physicians gave to email questions during the procedure.

What is Endoluminal Gastroplication?
Endoluminal Gastroplication is a medical therapy developed for the treatment of symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The procedure works by creating plications, or pleats, at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Performing the procedure has been shown to significantly improve symptoms and regurgitation while reducing or eliminating patients' dependence on acid-controlling medications.

How is the procedure performed?
The EndoCinch System, like a tiny sewing machine, is attached to the end of a standard, flexible endoscope or tube, which allows the physician to place suture (stitch) near the LES. Two stitches can be placed and tied together to create a pleat near the LES and treat symptomatic reflux or acid reflux.

Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is typically performed in the hospital or surgical center, on an outpatient basis, so that patients can return home the same day. Typically, only mild sedation is required (no general anesthesia) and patients can return to normal activities the next day.