Minimally invasive endoscopic therapy for chronic GERD

Anti-Reflux Endoscopic Therapy Using Argon Plasma Coagulation (AREA) in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Patients

Not applicable Interventional Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India · NCT06641375

This study is testing a new, less invasive treatment for chronic GERD to see if it can help patients who haven't found relief from other treatments and aren't able to have surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAsian Institute of Gastroenterology, India Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Trial IDNCT06641375 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive endoscopic therapy called antireflux mucosal ablation (ARAT) for patients suffering from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Participants will be randomized to receive either the ARAT intervention or a sham procedure. The study aims to provide a new treatment option for patients who have not found relief from standard medical therapies and are not candidates for surgery. The trial will include patients with documented GERD symptoms and will assess outcomes through follow-up visits after the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with chronic GERD symptoms and objective evidence of reflux disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe esophageal conditions, previous surgeries for reflux, or those unable to consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients with chronic GERD who do not respond to conventional medications.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar endoscopic therapies have shown promise in managing GERD in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with 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 and
* Objective evidence of reflux disease (positive ambulatory pH study)
* Patients prescribed standard dose of PPI for symptoms of GERD
* Able to undergo upper endoscopy as evidenced by completion of pre-endoscopy standard of care checklist.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to or unwilling to participate or consent
2. Age \<18 years or \>80 years
3. Allergic or intolerant to PPI medications
4. Large hiatal hernia \> 3 cm and Hill grade IV
5. Barrett's esophagus
6. Esophageal stricture with any prior intervention
7. Major motility disorder on HRM

7\. Eosinophilic esophagitis 8. Gastroparesis documented by abnormal gastric emptying time 9. Previous fundoplication, myotomy or LINX surgery 10. Cirrhosis with esophageal and/or gastric varices

Where this trial is running

Hyderabad, Telangana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions GERD
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.