Zapping the esophagus: an implantable device takes on chronic heartburn
NCT ID NCT02749071
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a small implanted device that electrically stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter can reduce acid reflux in people with GERD. Participants receive either active stimulation or a sham (inactive) device for six months, then all receive stimulation. The study measures changes in esophageal acid exposure and symptom improvement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- an implanted device that electrically stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a long-term, drug-free option for controlling GERD symptoms and reducing acid exposure.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with a sham control, so the real benefit is still uncertain. The device requires surgery to implant, which carries risks like infection or device-related complications.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Allegheny Health Network Research Institute
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
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Baylor Scott & White Research Institute
Round Rock, Texas, 78665, United States
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Carolinas HealthCare System
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28260, United States
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Clinical Trial Center Maastricht
Maastricht, Netherlands
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Columbia University Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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Cornell University Weill Medical College
New York, New York, 10021, United States
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HonorHealth Research Institute
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85258, United States
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Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery
Englewood, Colorado, 80113, United States
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Oregon Clinic
Portland, Oregon, 97213, United States
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Oregon Health Science University
Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
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St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, United States
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Stanford Center for Clinical Research
Stanford, California, 94305, United States
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The MetroHealth System
Cleveland, Ohio, 44109, United States
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The Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
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University College London
London, United Kingdom
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University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
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University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, 33606, United States
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University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States
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