Endoscopic Injection of Autologous Fat-Derived Cells (SVF) for Adults With Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). (The GERD-REVIVE Pilot Study)

This is a prospective, single-arm pilot study involving 15 adult patients. The intervention is performed in a single session and consists of three distinct sequential phases: Adipose Tissue Harvesting - autologous fat is obtained via a mini-subcutaneous liposuction from a suitable donor area under local anesthesia using a specialized tumescent solution. GMP-Compliant Processing (ELEA Method) - the lipoaspirate is processed in a GMP-compliant environment using mechanical activation via a Digital Vortex Mixer at 2000 rpm for 8 minutes. The resulting SVF-rich activated fat fraction is separated from the liquid and oil phases, emulsified through a 2 mm filter, and loaded into an endoscopic injection needle. Endoscopic Delivery - under direct endoscopic visualization, the activated SVF is injected circumferentially into the submucosal plane of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), distributed across four quadrants (typically 0.5-1 cm above the squamocolumnar junction) to achieve a symmetric deposition cushion.

Schedule of Assessments and Follow-up Timeline: the total study duration for each participant is 12 months, with scheduled clinic or phone follow-up assessments at Months 1, 3, 6, and 12.

Baseline Evaluation: participants undergo a screening assessment including medical history, GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire, baseline upper endoscopy (EGD) with EGJ biopsies, high-resolution manometry (HRM) per Chicago v4.0, and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring per Lyon 2.0 (performed off PPI therapy for at least 7 days).

Month 6 Evaluation: patients undergo a comprehensive objective re-evaluation including a repeat EGD with follow-up EGJ biopsies, HRM, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring, and GERD-HRQL scoring.

Month 12 Evaluation: final clinical assessment focusing on long-term safety, adverse event reviewing, GERD-HRQL scoring, and medication status tracking (PPI discontinuation or reduction rates).

Inclusion criteria

• Adults 18-75 years; actionable GERD per Lyon 2.0 (e.g., AET >6% off therapy; or LA grade B-D, peptic stricture, Barrett's) and compatible symptoms. [2]
• Refractory symptoms on optimized PPIs or PPI-dependent disease where intervention is contemplated. [2]
• HRM excluding major motility disorders (per Chicago v4.0). [21]
• Willing to undergo adipose harvest and autologous SVF therapy within a clinical trial framework.

Exclusion criteria

• Hiatal hernia >3 cm or paraesophageal hernia; severe esophagitis with ulcers (grade B or more); Barrett's with dysplasia; strictures; achalasia/EGJOO/spastic disorders. [2,21]
• Coagulopathy, uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, pregnancy/lactation.
• Active infection/malignancy significant for increased risk, at PI discretion.
• Prior fundoplication or magnetic sphincter augmentation within 12 months.