New procedure could reduce GERD symptoms without surgery
NCT ID NCT05570448
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new endoscopic procedure called anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARAT) for people with chronic GERD. The procedure uses argon plasma coagulation to treat the lining of the stomach near the esophagus. 36 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the real procedure or a sham procedure. The goal is to see if ARAT improves quality of life and reduces the need for daily acid-reducing medications.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Anti-reflux mucosal ablation using argon plasma coagulation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this procedure could offer a non-surgical option to reduce GERD symptoms and dependence on daily acid-reducing medications.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 36 participants. The procedure may not work better than a sham, and there are risks like bleeding or stricture.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 36 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2022
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 * Objective evidence of reflux disease (positive ambulatory pH study.) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to or unwilling to participate or consent. * Age \<18 years or \>80 years. * Allergic or intolerant to PPI medications. * Large hiatal hernia \> 3 cm and Hill grade IV. * Barrett's esophagus. * Esophageal stricture with any prior intervention. * Major motility disorder. * Eosinophilic esophagitis. * Gastroparesis documented by abnormal gastric emptying time. * Previous fundoplication, myotomy or LINX surgery. * Cirrhosis with esophageal and/or gastric varices.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kansas City VA Hospital
RECRUITINGKansas City, Missouri, 64128, United States
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