Anti-Reflux Endoscopic TX Using APC (AREA) in GERD Patients: (The AREA Study)

Anti-Reflux Endoscopic Therapy Using Argon Plasma Coagulation (AREA) in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Patients: A Single Center, Randomized, Sham, Controlled Trial (The AREA Study)

This will be a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy and safety of ARAT (intervention group) in patients with chronic GERD symptoms (typical symptoms of GERD, i.e. heartburn or acid reflux/regurgitation at least twice a week) for the last 6 months.

Patients must have a positive pH test and a negative manometry (no treatment) procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic GERD symptoms (at least 1 typical symptom of GERD, i.e. heartburn or acid reflux/regurgitation at least twice a week) for last 6 months
• Objective evidence of reflux disease (positive ambulatory pH study.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unable to or unwilling to participate or consent.
• Age <18 years or >80 years.
• Allergic or intolerant to PPI medications.
• Large hiatal hernia > 3 cm and Hill grade IV.
• Barrett's esophagus.
• Esophageal stricture with any prior intervention.
• Major motility disorder.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis.
• Gastroparesis documented by abnormal gastric emptying time.
• Previous fundoplication, myotomy or LINX surgery.
• Cirrhosis with esophageal and/or gastric varices.