New FDA Approved Treatment for Heartburn & Acid Reflux Sufferers

Dr. Gustavo Huerta performs first "Incisionless" procedure at Horizon Medical Center

DICKSON.TN; September 12, 2008 -Over 60 million Americans suffer from painful heartburn and acid reflux on a regular basis. GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, better known as heartburn, is the regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus.  Frequent and severe episodes can impact daily life and damage the inner lining of the esophagus.

Dr. Gustavo Huerta, surgeon at Horizon Medical Center is a recognized leader in the surgical treatment of GERD, and one of the first specialists in the country to be trained on the brand new, 4-week old, FDA approved EsophyX device for incisionless reconstructive surgical repair of the valve that prevents reflux. Huerta is the first in middle Tennessee to perform this non-invasive procedure at Horizon Medical Center on September 4, 2008.

"Most patients can be well-managed with medications that alleviate the unpleasant symptoms; however, there are many that do not respond to medicine and need surgical treatment," said Dr. Huerta.  In the past, major surgery for anti-reflux was the only solution for these resistant patients. Fifteen years ago we developed a laparoscopic approach, and now we can achieve the same surgical results without making any incision on the patient, not even the small puncture-like incisions used in laparoscopic surgery," Huerta adds. Achieving major abdominal surgery without any incisions or punctures is the next evolution in minimally invasive surgery.

Recent studies of EsophyX have shown this procedure can reduce or remove dependency on medications, with 80% of patients remaining symptom free after two years. "We are very excited that we can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients by offering this new treatment" says Huerta.