STONY BROOK, NY, April 21, 2006 – Stopping Symptoms of Acid Reflux – Heartburn, regurgitation, wheezing, chest pain, cough and hoarseness are all frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptoms of acid reflux disease, or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which affects approximately 5% to 7% of the world’s population. A new outpatient procedure that restores the normal anti-reflux barrier between the esophagus and stomach can reduce both symptoms of GERD and the need for medications. Stony Brook University Hospital is the only hospital on Long Island performing this type of endoscopic therapy, called the Full Thickness Plicator procedure. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the device for the procedure, which takes only 15 to 20 minutes for a physician to perform and does not require a hospital stay. If you are between ages 18 and 75 years and experience heartburn or regurgitation on a regular basis, you may qualify to participate in a clinical study of the Full Thickness Plicator. For more information and to enroll in this study, call Grace Walker, RN, GERD Study Coordinator at 631-444-1759.
