Patent ID: 8556952

Claim:
A method for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease by a) inducing an injury healing response via application of thermal energy to bulk tissue within the lower esophageal sphincter and/or b) shrinking collagen within a wall of the lower esophageal sphincter to alter characteristics of the sphincter and increase inta-esophageal pressures, the method comprising: providing a device having a flexible elongate extension member having a working end and a proximal end, first and second arm elements, and a plurality of electrodes at the working end, the electrodes arranged longitudinally in a spaced relationship on a first side of the extension member and radiopaque markings positioned on the elongate extension member; introducing the device through a mouth of a patient; advancing the device to the lower esophageal sphincter; inflating a collar positioned on the extension member to position the plurality of electrodes in the lower esophageal sphincter; moving the first and second arm elements to a closed position to create a fold in the wall of the lower esophageal sphincter; and applying radiofrequency energy to the electrodes to deliver energy to regions of the lower esophageal sphincter to induce an injury healing response and/or to alter characteristics of the sphincter and increase intra-esophageal pressures.