OMER, Israel, March 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medigus Ltd. (TASE: MDGS), a medical device company developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and a leader in direct visualization technology, announced the completion of three MUSE procedures in Italy by renowned gastroenterologist, Professor Pier Alberto Testoni, Director of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy IRCCS at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. The Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler, or MUSE, is used for an incisionless procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Since their treatments in February, all three of Professor Testoni's patients have reported a decrease in their reflux symptoms, decrease or elimination of anti-reflux medication use, and no post treatment pain or discomforts. Patients were released from the hospital about 2 days following their procedures, with no complications.
"MUSE offers several benefits over the leading laparoscopic method for the long-term treatment of GERD", said Professor Testoni. "I was able to complete a single procedure in about one hour, since the device is fully integrated with all capabilities and the treatment can be administered by a single physician. Because it requires no incisions, the patients reported greater comfort during treatment, their hospital stays were reduced by 50% through treatment with MUSE over more invasive fundoplication procedures, and they were able to return to most of their daily activities after about a week. In follow up visits, all three patients have reported feeling significant relief from their GERD symptoms."
Medigus has merged recent breakthroughs in visualization, ultrasound and surgical stapling capabilities into a single platform with MUSE. The device is fully integrated with leading microvisual, ultrasonic and stapling technology, and therefore allows a single physician or surgeon to perform fundoplication (connecting the upper part of the stomach, or fundus, to the lower esophageal sphincter). MUSE has the potential to improve GERD-related quality of life for many patients by addressing the root cause of the disorder, not just offer symptom relief, which is often in contrast to many drug therapies.
"We are proud to partner with a leading name in the field of gastroenterology, such as Professor Testoni, to offer a less-invasive and more cost-effective option to patients, physicians and the healthcare system in Italy, where GERD is prevalent," said Chris Rowland, CEO of Medigus. "As a single, comprehensive endoscopic device, MUSE uniquely addresses the existing gap in GERD treatment between drug therapy and invasive laparoscopic procedures."
MUSE is FDA cleared and CE marked for the treatment of GERD, and is currently being introduced in key markets across Europe and the U.S. Plans are also in development for distribution in Asia in the next few years.
About GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter spontaneously opens or does not properly close after use, thereby allowing for stomach contents to rise into the esophagus, causing heartburn, irritation and potentially other discomforts. It affects approximately 24M Americans each year; 14.5M adults experience GERD symptoms at least twice a week, and 2.4M adults experience severe symptoms. While some patients can attain symptom relief through the use of proton pump inhibiters, or PPIs, (acid reducing medications), there is, however, growing concern around the prolonged chronic use of PPIs, including increased risk of bone fracture, infectious complications, and interference with anti-platelet medication and the adsorption of essential vitamins and minerals. A persistent state of untreatable GERD could potentially lead to Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous state which can lead to esophageal cancer. Patients who suffer from daily GERD are more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
About Medigus
Medigus is a medical device company specializing in developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and highly innovative imaging solutions. Medigus is a pioneer developer of a unique proprietary endoscopic device, the MUSE(TM) system, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common chronic diseases in the western world. As an expert in micro-endoscopic devices, Medigus has developed a range of micro CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge-coupled device) video cameras, including micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2, which to the best of the company's knowledge, is the smallest in the world. These innovative cameras are suitable for both medical and industrial applications. The MUSE system incorporates Medigus' revolutionary micro ScoutCam technology. Based on its proprietary technologies, Medigus designs and manufactures endoscopy and micro camera systems for partner companies, including major players in the medical and industrial fields. The company is committed to providing integrated solutions to meet all of its customer's imaging needs. Medigus is traded on the TASE (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange). To learn more about the company's advanced technology, please visit www.medigus.com or www.microscoutcam.com.
About MUSE
The MUSE system is a leading technology in Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery procedures. The single operator system performs anterior partial fundoplication with standard surgical staples in a less invasive way, compared to other surgical procedures. Its intuitive endosurgical platform consists of a single use flexible surgical endostapler, equipped with a proprietary miniature camera, an ultrasonic sight and a range finder. The endostapler, which resembles an endoscope, is designed to be operated by a single user, includes a handle with controls, an 80cm flexible shaft, a 5cm rigid section holding a cartridge with 5 standard 4.8mm titanium surgical staples, a ratchet controlled one-way articulating section, and a distal tip. The MUSE system is FDA cleared and CE marked.
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