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by Chip Hennen Redwood City, CA (February 25, 2011) – EndoGastric Solutions' Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure was featured today in a segment entitled "Cure Acid Reflux, New Non-Invasive Surgery" on ABC’s Good Morning America Health. Los Angeles general surgeon Carson Liu, MD (Santa Monica, CA), presented TIF as a safe and effective non-invasive surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that affects over 20 million Americans. Dr. Liu explained that for many GERD patients treatment is acid suppressive drug therapy with a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and can effectively mask heartburn symptoms. In multiple studies and a recent FDA warning, however, long-term use of PPI medications has been associated with malabsorption of calcium and other minerals, leading to osteoporosis and other conditions. "The problem with these drugs is that once you get started on it most people do take it on an everyday basis," Dr. Liu said. "Some of them go to the extreme of taking it twice a day." He warned, "When you get to that level, you have to start thinking of other procedures or really modifying your lifestyle to eliminate the reflux. If you are on these medications long-term, more than two years, you may be a candidate for some other procedures." Dr. Liu discussed how the TIF procedure can correct the cause of GERD by creating a partial one-way valve to prevent acid and bile from going up into the esophagus. TIF is performed through the mouth, without skin incisions and with minimal risk and recovery. He went on to say that TIF is effective in 85-90% of people. "We are excited that TIF is being recognized with this level of national exposure," commented Thierry Thaure, President and Chief Executive Officer of EndoGastric Solutions. "We believe we are at a turning point in the treatment of GERD. Patients are increasingly concerned with lifetime medical management and are looking for a more durable solution. With over 5,000 TIF procedures performed around the world, and new clinical data strongly supporting its safety and efficacy, TIF is poised to become the new standard of care for mild to moderate GERD. Growing patient awareness will drive demand, which will in turn propel adoption. I believe we will reflect on this event as a milestone in the accelerated adoption of this procedure."
About EndoGastric Solutions® For more information about EndoGastric Solutions and its products, EsophyX® and StomaphyX®, please visit: http://www.endogastricsolutions.com View the GERDHelp.com website, providing patient information on the symptoms and causes of GERD, as well as the treatment options available for it, including the incisionless TIF procedure. PRESS CONTACT: CUSTOMER CONTACT: EUROPEAN CUSTOMER CONTACT: NP02234-01A ### |
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