Endoscopically Deployable Temporary Anti-Reflux Device

Background & Unmet Need

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid enters the esophagus, affects over 40 M Americans annually
• Significant discomfort and/or damage can be caused, as cells on the lining of the esophagus are not resistant to stomach acid
• Some patients do not respond to medications or become refractory and require surgical intervention
• However, current diagnostic tests to assess reflux are inadequate, as many patients do not present with classical symptoms
• It is therefore difficult to predict which patients while experience symptom resolution after surgical intervention
• Unmet Need: Improved methods of diagnosing GERD to identify patients who may benefit from surgical intervention

Technology Overview

• The Technology: A temporary, endoscopically-placed device that mimics surgery by artificially recreating a normal lower esophageal sphincter
• The device spans the gastroesophageal junction, and includes an inset two-way valve that allows food to pass but prevents reflux of stomach contents
• After placement of the device, patients may be monitored for up to 30 days to assess impact on symptoms
• Successful symptom resolution increases confidence in a GERD diagnosis and indicates that a patient is likely to respond to therapeutic or surgical intervention

Technology Applications

• Temporary device for definitive diagnosis of GERD
• Identification of patients who may benefit from additional therapeutic or surgical interventions
• Semi-permanent stents for long-term management of GERD symptoms

Technology Advantages

• Temporary device that may be placed with an endoscope
• Provides a physical barrier to evaluate the need for surgical
• Pressure required to open the valve in the retrograde is sufficient to prevent reflux but still allows for belching and vomiting