Stretta® Therapy, Non-Ablative Radiofrequency Treatment, 
Is Now Accepted By All Major Private Medical Insurers in the UK

 

Stretta® Therapy, highly effective and non-surgical treatment for Gastric Reflux Patients, is now approved by all major Private Medical Insurers in the UK. 

Privately insured patients can choose to have a safe anti-reflux Stretta® procedure at a dedicated Stretta Centre with evening and weekend clinics available.  

THE TREATMENT 

The Stretta® procedure is a safe and effective treatment for patients who do not respond well to medication and wish to avoid surgery. Stretta® offers a low risk of complications in comparison to other available anti-reflux treatment options.

Stretta® Therapy uses non-ablative radiofrequency (NARF) energy to strengthen and improve the function of the valve, known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), which prevents regurgitation or acid reflux. The treatment can be carried out under sedation in an outpatient endoscopy suite or under general anaesthesia as a day-case procedure.

CLINICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Worldwide clinical data includes more than 37 studies, Randomised Control Trials, 4-year, 8-year and 10-year follow up. 

O Long-Term Results from 4-10 years

   - 86% of Patients Remain Off Daily PPIs at 4 years
   - 76% of Patients Remain Off Daily PPIs at 8 years
   - 64% of Patients Remain Off Daily PPIs at 10years

93% Patient Satisfaction
Four Randomised Controlled Trials
O Multiple Long-Term Clinical Data
Proven Effective in Patients with Previously Altered Anatomy
   
    - GORD after Bariatric Procedures
    - GORD after Anti-Reflux Surgery

Improvement in Subjective and Objective Scores 

Recently published NICE Stretta® Publication, Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB), recognised the innovative aspects of Stretta® as the only RF energy device for the treatment of Gastric Reflux.

KEY OPINION LEADERS

Dr Chris Fraser, Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Scottish Stretta Centre, considers the endoscopic Stretta procedure for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux for the following reasons: 

o It is safe and minimally invasive with more than 22,000 procedures performed over the past 15 years

It is an alternative to anti-acid medication when breakthrough acid reflux or regurgitation continue to occur (or when medication causes side effects)

It is an alternative to anti-reflux surgery particularly for patients without hiatus hernias or with small hernias (3cm or less)

o It does not prevent laparoscopic fundoplication in the future


Mr Marcus Reddy, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at the London Stretta Centre, commented on the availability of the Stretta® treatment in the UK:

"Stretta® has provided an excellent alternative to the traditional operations. This non-invasive and minimal risk procedure is used as a stand-alone option or as a bridging to surgery which is proven to be effective and durable. Patients with atypical symptoms and concerns of difficult swallowing and poor motility can consider the Stretta".

"The symptoms control can start within weeks of the procedure which is usually performed as a day-case endoscopy with rapid recovery. Stretta® should be available as an alternative to long term acid suppresion therapy since the risks are minimal and outcomes supported by scientific data".
 

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