Are you considering an alternative to long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitor medication (PPIs) and have had GERD appearing or getting worse after having put on weight? Then, the DM-GARDTM and the Therapeutic GARDTM for GERD could help you.
The Diagnostic-Management GARD(TM) device, abbreviated DM-GARD(TM), can be used in patients who have GERD and are overweight. Quite often, GERD symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain will appear or worsen after you gain a few pounds or kilograms. The DM-GARDTM will help decrease reflux AND help you lose weight by requiring you to eat more slowly and chew your food longer. The device will lead to earlier satiety and decrease hunger in patients who need or wish to lose weight. If the patient is satisfied with the result the doctor will then proceed to implant the longer acting Therapeutic-GARDTM for GERD. Ph-metric studies or Impedance tests can be used before DM-GARDTM placement as the doctor/physician (gastroenterologist) deems appropriate to confirm that you have GERD/GORD and you should also have an esophageal manometry to rule out any other diseases of the esophagus. The DM-GARDTM is placed for an approximately 2-week period in order to determine if your symptoms are caused by reflux of acid, bile or a mixture of both. As the DM-GARDTM blocks all reflux (PPIs will decrease only acid reflux) and your symptoms improve, placing the Therapeutic GARDTM for GERD can be an option for you. Positioning of the DM-GARDTM must be considered the first step before placing the Therapeutic model GARDTM for GERD since the different endoscopic steps must follow a specific order.
The DM-GARDTM can provide an alternative for patients who suffer from constant reflux, and/or are dependent on medication yet hesitate to undergo surgery to control their symptoms. The DM-GARDTM can help determine if this solution will help control the patient’s symptoms and whether the longer term GARDTM for GERD should be placed or not.
This temporary procedure for GERD/GORD helps determine the efficacy of this treatment in your particular situation. This will enable you and your physician to make an informed decision regarding the longer-term implant.