New Wireless Device For Detecting Reflux Turns Heads At Sleep Medicine Conference

Deirdre Stewart, Ph.D., presented information to a crowded audience on a new patient-friendly device for detecting gastric reflux in the airway and its application in sleep medicine at the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists meeting, a segment of the SLEEP 2006 Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) event, June 17-22, 2006.

Dr. Stewart is Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Restech, the designer and manufacturer of the Dx-pH Measurement System, which detects aerosolized upper-airway reflux, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

"The miniature 1.5mm diameter catheter," Stewart explains, "is placed trans-nasally and is positioned behind the soft palate." This positioning is revolutionary in that patients are now exempt from larger catheters stretching uncomfortably to their lower esophagus.

The Restech "plug & play" Dx-Sleep Adapter accessory, released February 2006, allows sleep medicine professionals to track patients' airway pH events in real-time on their existing monitoring equipment. The system can be easily set up in a sleep clinic or physician's office. Since the device transfers data using wireless telemetry, there are no extra leads from the patient.

Ross Tsukashima, Director of Product Development at Restech, rounded out the discussion with his expertise in physiologic pH measurement. Mr. Tsukashima has authored nine patents and was awarded a 2002 Silver Medal in Business Week's "Industrial Design Excellence Awards" for the Medtronic Bravo pH monitoring system. His final comment defined the Restech advantage, "This pH monitoring system will break down existing barriers in performing pH monitoring that allows greater acceptance by physicians and their patients."

Coupled with Dr. Gregory Wiener's presentation last month at the international Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting, Restech is rounding the bases on the medical conference circuit, receiving promising reviews from GIs, ENTs, Pulmonologists and Sleep Medicine Professionals alike. Donald Castell, M.D., another pioneer in pharyngeal pH testing, praised the makers of the Dx-pH Measurement System saying, "I would like to thank Restech very much for bringing this technology to our attention."

Restech is a privately held corporation specializing in the development of innovative medical devices. For more information on the Dx-pH Measurement System, call Debra Krahel or Wal Flicker at (800) 352-1512 or visit http://www.restech-corp.com.