Stomaphyx and Esophyx now being done in PA

EGS LAUNCHES 12 NEW INCISIONLESS NATURAL ORIFICE SURGERY CENTERS IN SEPTEMBER

FIVE NEW ESOPHYX TIF AND SEVEN NEW STOMAPHYX SITES JOIN RAPIDLY GROWING LIST OF U.S. SITES PERFORMING NOS PROCEDURES USING EGS DEVICES

Redwood City, CA (October 17, 2008) — EndoGastric Solutions® (EGS), the recognized leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today announced that five new surgery centers performed their first TIF® (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) surgical procedures for the treatment of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). The procedures were performed with EGS’ innovative EsophyX® surgical device.

• Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
• Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
• Somerset Hospital, Morristown, NJ
• Horizon Medical Center, Dickson TN
• University Health Systems of East Carolina, Greenville, NC

They were joined by seven new surgery centers performing their first StomaphyX® procedures.

• Community Hospital of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
• Long Island Jewish Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY
• Kindred Hospital, Mansfield, TX
• University of Miami, Miami FL
• Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood, CA
• Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA
• Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

“EndoGastric Solutions and Natural Orifice Surgery are gaining momentum both with surgeons and with patients,” said Thierry Thaure, President and Chief Executive Officer of EndoGastric Solutions. “We trained 30 surgeons on the EsophyX procedure in September and expect to continue this rapid rate of growth. Case numbers for both procedures have been climbing steadily. EndoGastric Solutions and the surgeons who use our products are leading the future of minimally surgery for the treatment of upper GI conditions.”

EsophyX TIF is an innovative surgical procedure performed transorally (through the mouth) to reconstruct the gastroesophageal valve and restore the competency of the gastroesophageal junction, creating a robust barrier against reflux. TIF is the first procedure that provides an effective incisionless anatomical solution to GERD, a disease that today is typically managed medically with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, September 16 procedure performed by Vic Velanovich, M.D.: Dr. Velanovich, Division Head of General Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, commented, “My philosophy of care is to provide tailored treatment to optimally address each patient's individual needs. Until the EsophyX, I was only able to offer a surgical anatomical solution to the worst, most deteriorated GERD cases. EsophyX broadens my patient population and allows earlier intervention and a more comprehensive treatment for those patients with moderate to severe GERD.”

Somerset Medical Center, Somerville , NJ, September 22 procedure performed by David Ward, M.D., FACS: Dr. Ward, the first surgeon in New Jersey to perform a StomaphyX procedure, began performing the EsophyX TIF procedure in late September. Dr. Ward commented, “I have performed nearly 50 StomaphyX procedures, which made the transition to EsophyX very smooth. My StomaphyX patients have been doing well and are satisfied. EsophyX was a natural next step for my practice. Millions of patients with heartburn (GERD) are dissatisfied with taking pills or other pharmaceutical therapies but are unwilling to undergo invasive surgery. EsophyX TIF is an effective, minimally invasive anatomical solution for heartburn (GERD). The procedure is performed with no incisions. The valve at the bottom of the esophagus that is created is indistinguishable endoscopically from the more invasive time-proven surgical techniques like the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. We are excited to be on the forefront of surgical innovation and to be able to meet the needs of our patients in a way that maximizes their results and minimizes their risks.”

StomaphyX is used to create full thickness folds in the GI tract. With a single insertion, an unlimited number of plications can be created and customized to meet the specific needs of the patient.

University of Miami, Miami, FL, September 19 procedure performed by Atul Madan, M.D.: “StomaphyX gives us the ability to provide our patients an endoluminal procedure comparable to open or laparoscopic procedures without incisions and their inherent risks, without scars, and typically requiring only an overnight stay in the hospital. Comparable revisional surgery carries an increased morbidity and mortality. With endoluminal procedures, patients can avoid these increased risks,” explained Dr. Madan. "StomaphyX makes full thickness plications in the GI tract. Our patients have indicated that they can feel a significant difference after the procedure. It’s a huge advantage to be able to offer them surgical benefits without incisions.”

About EndoGastric Solutions
EndoGastric Solutions (EGS) is a privately held corporation located in Redmond, Washington, and Redwood City, California. EGS is a pioneer in developing incisionless transoral procedures for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EsophyX® and StomaphyX® are cleared by the FDA, CE marked, and available for sale in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

For more information about EndoGastric Solutions, Inc., and EsophyX, please visit:

US: http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/
EU: http://www.egseurope.eu/

PRESS CONTACT:
Chip Hennen
Marketing Department
EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.
(650) 610-9250 ext. 236
[email protected]

CUSTOMER CONTACT:
Skip Goode
Sales Department
EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.
(303) 912-7547
[email protected]

EUROPEAN CUSTOMER CONTACT:    
Karl Blohm
General Manager, EGS Europe
+33 6 7525 8382
[email protected]