The Plicator is Here!

A relatively new procedure is available for people suffering from gastroesophagal reflux disease (GERD). Like the traditional fundoplication, where the fudus of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus in order to thicken the amount of tissue in the area and help sinch off the lower esophageal sphincter, this new type of plication helps reduce the causes and symptoms of GERD. What makes this procedure so facinating is that it can be performed with only mild anestesia, and requires no incisions or hospital stay. Heck, the patient can even go to work the next day if he wants to.
The instrument used to perform this new procedure is called the Plicator. The Plicator is slipped down the esophagus and into the stomach. There the Plicator grips a small amount of tissue and crimps it together, forming a plication around the LES, and then a suture is deployed to hold the plication in place, and that's all.
Although this procedure is relatively new, it seems to be very promising.
For visual aides on how the Plicator works and a description of the procedure, visit the following link: The Plicator

Chris Klein 501