EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a key patent covering its Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure and EsophyX® device for reconstruction of the gastroesophageal junction.

Patent No. 7,942,887, entitled "Transoral Endoscopic Gastroesophageal Flap Valve Restoration Device, Assembly, System and Method," issued on May 17, 2011. This patent is a continuation of Patent No. 6,790,214 that issued on September 14, 2004. The latest patent expands upon methods of reconstructing the gastroesophageal junction which broadly cover the EsophyX device.

"We are extremely pleased that the USPTO has issued this significant patent covering our TIF procedure," said Richard M. Romley, Senior Vice President of Research and Development. "We believe that the issuance of this patent further strengthens our position as a leader in Natural Orifice Surgery by granting additional coverage for reconstructing the gastroesophageal junction using our core EsophyX and SerosaFuse technologies."

The EsophyX device is used to recreate the intersection between the stomach and the esophageal tract to reconstruct the gastroesophageal geometry for patients suffering from GERD. The EsophyX device has a tissue retractor which displaces a portion of the fundus into a tissue mold. The mold is then closed to approximate the two tissue layers. The tissue layers are then fastened together, thereby recreating the intersection between the stomach and the esophageal tract. The EsophyX device also includes an invaginator which uses suction to grasp the esophageal tract. The invaginator may be used to grasp the distal esophagus to treat a hiatal hernia or may be used to stabilize the esophageal tract when manipulating the fundus.

TIF is a surgical procedure performed through the mouth for the treatment of GERD using EndoGastric Solutions' EsophyX device. Transoral fundoplication fills the treatment gap that exists between pharmaceutical therapy and more invasive surgical fundoplications, addressing a population estimated at over 14 million. To date, clinical results have been approaching those achieved by more invasive surgical techniques.

Source:
EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.