Boston, MA. - March 25, 2003 - Dr. David Carr-Locke at Brigham & Women's Hospital with Dr. Richard Rothstein of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center endoscopically treats a patient with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease using The Bard® EndoCinch™ device. The live webcast of the procedure took place on Wednesday, May 7th at 4PM EDT. Health care professionals and patients were able to e-mail questions directly to the presenting physicians during the webcast.

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.