The Plicator® Procedure

The Full-Thickness Plicator® procedure is an endoscopic GERD treatment based on the proven principles of anti-reflux surgery. The procedure allows the physician to create a full-thickness plication at the gastroesophageal junction under direct endoscopic visualization, enhancing the competency of the gastric cardia and restoring the normal anti-reflux barrier. Patients are treated on an outpatient basis and usually are able to return to normal activities the following day.

Procedure Steps

Step One The Plicator is advanced into the stomach and is retroflexed and positioned to within 1 cm of the gastroesophageal junction.
Step Two The Plicator arms are opened and an endoscopic tissue retractor is advanced into the gastric wall, up to the level of the serosa.
Step Three The gastric wall is retracted, and the Plicator arms are closed.
Step Four One or more pre-tied pledgeted sutures are deployed, securing the full-thickness serosa-to-serosa plication.
Step Five The resulting full-thickness plication restores the anti-reflux barrier.