Atlantic Gastroenterology Associates is the first clinical practice in the area to use the Bravo System for the diagnosis of GERD. The System represents a breakthrough in the effectiveness of the diagnosis of GERD much easier on patients and more effective in its findings. Often referred to as heartburn, GERD affects more than seventy-five million Americans and is caused by a backwash of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
In the past effective diagnosis of GERD often required inserting a plastic tube through the patient's nose and into the esophagus for a minimum of twenty-four hours.
Developed by Medtronics Inc. of Minneapolis, Bravo monitors pH levels in the esophagus using a tiny capsule that contains a miniature transmitter. The capsule is attached to the wall of the esophagus for a period of twenty-four to forty-eight hours, where it constantly transmits data to a receiver worn on the patient's belt. The patient is able to enjoy his or her normal diet while going about typical daily activities.
The patient later brings the receiver to the physician's office where the data can be downloaded and analyzed. The transmitter is eventually sloughed off, passing through the digestive system without notice. In the expert diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions, it's plain to see that AGA is without parallel for giving patients the best medical care available, not only in south Jersey, but also throughout the tristate area. As demand increases for the specialized care AGA provides so skillfully, the extraordinary team of medical professionals will maintain their lead by taking digestive science to the next level while continuing to provide the highest caliber of treatments, exceptional facilities, clinical research, and unrivaled personalized care.