New relief may be available for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, better known as acid-reflux. The American Gastrointestinal Association estimates that nearly one in three people suffers from the chronic condition, which often leads to more serious health issues.
Researchers determined that a new magnetic device, referred to as a magnetic sphincter, can help reduce the symptoms of acid-reflux. The bracelet-like device wraps around the valve in the stomach at the point where the esophagus and the stomach meet. When a person is not eating or drinking, it helps to keep the valve shut.
The magnetic sphincter device was tested for safety and effectiveness by evaluating 100 patients.To determine its effects on health, symptoms were compared before and after the sphincter augmentation. Researchers found that 92 out of the 100 patients suffered fewer symptoms after the augmentation. Overall, 94 percent of patients were pleased with the results of the treatment.
"This is the first new, safe and effective treatment we have to treat reflux disease in 20 years.The device is simple, elegant and functional, and it provides an opportunity to help a very large number of patients, said C. Daniel Smith, M.D., chair of the Surgery Department at Mayo Clinic in Florida and study co-author. Mayo Clinic is the only medical center working to study the device at its Florida and Arizona locations.
Smith explained that the new device is an alternative treatment to the current acid-suppressing agents or surgery, in which patients may be still left with persistent symptoms, since the agents do not directly address the issue with the valve known as the esophageal sphincter.
"Surgery can lead to distressing side effects of bloating and inability to vomit in 20 percent of patients. These side effects occurred rarely with this new device," said Dr. Smith.
Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter valve is not working properly and allows digestive juices, including acid, to enter the esophagus.The sphincter valve is a ring of muscle that usually remains closed when a person is not eating. The magnetic sphincter was found to be safe and effective.
"Exposure to esophageal acid decreased, reflux symptoms improved," said the conclusion of the study that was published Wednesday, Feb. 20 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
