Newly-Published Study Concludes Stretta May Be More Desirable GERD Treatment than Chronic PPI Use or Anti-Reflux Surgery in Some Patients

GREENWICH, Connecticut, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published peer-review study that examines Stretta therapy is bringing renewed attention to this non-surgical procedure that has 10 years of patient data and recently earned The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) highest GRADE recommendation.

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The study, published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice, is titled "Stretta Radiofrequency Treatment for GERD: A Safe and Effective Modality" and presents facts that dispel some misconceptions about Stretta. The study concludes that Stretta is a safe and effective treatment in patients for whom PPI therapy is undesirable, or the many that prefer less invasive treatment options.

Authored by Drs. Mark Franciosa and Hiroshi Mashimo, of the Center for Swallowing and Motility Disorders in Boston, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, and Dr. George Triadafilopoulos of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Stanford University School of Medicine, the study cites experimental and clinical data from a multitude of sources and concludes that Stretta is a valuable non-surgical treatment option in the management of GERD.

Stretta uses low power and low temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to remodel the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, thus reducing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its symptoms.

"This review of the abundant clinical data, including controlled and randomized studies, as well as studies with long-term follow up, concludes that Stretta is safe, effective and long-lasting – and a valuable option for many patients seeking relief from their GERD symptoms," stated Dr. Triadafilopoulos. "This is particularly important in light of current concern about long-term PPI use and patient resistance to anti-reflux surgery," stated Dr. Triadafilopoulos.

With the NIH reporting that approximately 20 percent of Americans suffer GERD symptoms at least once a week, doctors are seeking treatment options for GERD. SAGES recently published clinical guidelines (August '13 Surgical Endoscopy) that gave Stretta therapy a GRADE recommendation of "++++/strong," citing high quality evidence from 32 clinical trials. Recently presented 10-year post-Stretta data concluded that Stretta is an effective long-term solution for GERD patients.

Dr. Triadafilopoulos pointed to data presented in the study showing Stretta has the longest experience of any non-surgical intervention. "As doctors, we strive to improve the quality of life of patients," Triadafilopoulos stated. "We owe it to GERD sufferers to offer this valuable treatment option."

For more information on Stretta go to stretta-therapy.com.

ABOUT STRETTA®

Stretta is a minimally invasive treatment for GERD that is an effective option for patients who do not respond well to medications. Stretta involves delivery of RF to the LES and gastric cardia. Studies show Stretta is a safe, effective and durable therapeutic option. Stretta does not preclude further steps with more invasive procedures if indicated. Stretta is currently covered by many insurance plans.

ABOUT MEDERI®

Mederi Therapeutics manufactures and markets innovative medical devices that deliver RF energy to treat diseases of the digestive system. Mederi therapies are outpatient, minimally invasive and promote rapid recovery.

Contact: Julia Brannan
+1-908-464-2470
julia@pascalecommunications.com