In the DailyMail UK, it is reported that radio waves are being used as a new treatment for heartburn problem. It makes use of small wires to generate heat and help to stiffen the loose tissue and cause the backflow of stomach acids to stop.
Currently, 75% of the UK patients who are in trials do not need to use drugs or only use occasionally when symptoms appeared. Before that, the patients were taking their medicine twice a day.
This treatment is based on the idea of the tissue at the junction of the oesophagus and upper stomach which can be stiffened by the body's natural responses to injury. This similar method is also used in treating snoring and sleep apnoea by stiffening the tissue at the throat.
It is just a day surgery which takes an hour to get the procedure done. The patients are fully recovered by the next day. Even the latest research shows that the treatment is highly effective.
When the patient is sedated, a flexible catheter would be inserted through the throat to the lower part of the oesophagus. The catheter has a number of sharp elements or thin wires at the extreme end which are manoeuvred so they penetrate 1-2mm into the oesophageal sphincter.
Once the catheter is in oesophagus, the wires transmit high-frequency radio waves into the muscle tissue, raising its temperature. The heating causes inflammation which would make the muscle tissue to thicken. This step is repeated in various positions. Remote sensors are in place to monitor the whole process and to ensure that there is no overheating. At the same time, there is chilled water circulating to prevent the other tissue being heated during the process.
According to doctors in Hanover, Germany, who did a study of 60 patients at 6 centres found that 75% of the patients who did the treatment 1 year ago do not need medication or less medication than before treatment.
