Implantica's New Swiss Study
Implantica AG, a leading MedTech firm, has made a significant advancement in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with its device, RefluxStop™. Recently, the company announced the results of a real-world study conducted with 99 patients in Switzerland, focusing on the efficiency of RefluxStop™ for both small and large hiatal hernia patients. This study is a groundbreaking exploration into the versatility of the RefluxStop™, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness across different hernia sizes.
The Research Details
The independent study, titled "A safety and effectiveness evaluation of RefluxStop in the treatment of acid reflux comparing large and small hiatal hernia groups Results from 99 patients in Switzerland with up to 4-year follow-up," was a collaborative effort involving Dr. Yves Borbély from Inselspital University Hospital and Dr. Joerg Zehetner from Hirslanden Clinic Beau-Site. Notably, it is the first publication focusing on patients with large hernias treated using this innovative method, appearing in the reputable journal known as
The World Journal of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery.
Patients suffering from large hiatal hernias typically encounter challenges with conventional treatments. However, findings from this study reveal that those who received the RefluxStop™ experienced consistent improvement post-surgery, with no notable differences in side effects between the large and small hernia groups. Specifically, all participants reported significant enhancements in their GERD-HRQL scores, a measure of quality of life in GERD sufferers, after undergoing the procedure.
Understanding Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias happen when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm, leading to significant complications for GERD treatments. Traditionally, doctors found it tough to address large hiatal hernias effectively, often leading to treatment failures. The RefluxStop™ introduces a unique response to this issue by mechanically preventing the upward movement of abdominal structures, providing a solution where conventional surgical methods fall short.
According to Dr. Peter Forsell, founder of Implantica, the study signifies a major breakthrough, showing consistent positive outcomes. Dr. Forsell expressed gratitude towards Dr. Borbély and Dr. Zehetner for their vital contributions to the research, underscoring that the results of the study underscore a growing demand for innovative solutions in GERD treatment.
A New Era for GERD Treatment
With approximately 17% of Swiss adults estimated to suffer from GERD, which translates to nearly one million people, the implications of this study are monumental. The RefluxStop™ is positioned as a potential game changer for surgical interventions in this field. Unlike conventional methods that involve enclosing the esophagus, which often results in adverse effects such as swallowing difficulties or inability to belch, the RefluxStop™ effectively keeps the lower esophageal sphincter at its natural position, addressing the root cause of reflux without additional complications.
Dr. Forsell elaborated on how this procedure operates by restoring and maintaining the components of the anti-reflux barrier to thwart the condition's recurrence effectively. The clinical trial results that support RefluxStop™ further highlight its promising outlook for patients with GERD, particularly those with complicated hiatal hernia cases.
Conclusion
The insights gained from this study could signal a shift in surgical practices for GERD treatments. With its innovative approach and positive results, RefluxStop™ not only brings hope to patients with large hiatal hernias but also establishes Implantica as a key player in the evolving landscape of medical technology.
For more information about Implantica or RefluxStop™, please visit
www.implantica.com.