EGS announces improved clinical outcomes from its new TIF procedure

Jan 9 2010

EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the recognized leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today announced that data from two single-center series demonstrate improved clinical outcomes from a third-generation technique for its Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure. The data includes two case series totaling nearly 70 patients from two independent investigators, Reginald Bell, MD (Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO), and William Barnes, MD (Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services, Inc., Salem, KY).

“The latest evolution of the TIF procedure has resulted in even better clinical outcomes than those previously reported”

Dr. Bell’s recorded pH Normalization and PPI dependence in 29 TIF patients at median 5 months (1-12), with key results demonstrating:

• 76% of patients had normalized esophageal pH
• 86% of patients were completely off PPIs

Dr. Barnes completed follow-up on 38 patients at 6 median months (6 - 12). Results showed:

• 92% of patients were completely off PPIs
• 87% of patients were satisfied and 82% were asymptomatic based on HRQL and GSRS scores

"The latest evolution of the TIF procedure has resulted in even better clinical outcomes than those previously reported,” said Thierry Thaure, President and Chief Executive Officer of EndoGastric Solutions. "Over the past several years, EGS has partnered with key opinion leading surgeons to advance the TIF procedure and the EsophyX device. This new data is further evidence that our technology enables a true transoral esophagogastric fundoplication procedure and results in substantial patient benefits. TIF is rapidly becoming the standard of care for chronic acid reflux sufferers.”

“Our TIF technique has evolved, and my results have continuously improved,” commented Dr. Bell. “The reported pH normalization numbers are excellent and are significantly higher than those previously reported. My TIF patients are experiencing a significant improvement in quality of life. With this experience, I firmly believe that TIF represents a safe and effective fundoplication procedure appropriate for a wide range of patients suffering from chronic acid reflux. Today, over 50% of my surgical reflux practice is incision free.”