CLINICIAN LEAD: 
Katie Blevins, MD, PhD 

INVESTMENT DATE
Spring 2024

INVESTMENT AMOUNT
$250,000

THE CHALLENGE

One in four adults in the U.S. suffers from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In addition to a host of symptoms that impact quality of life, GERD can lead to serious health complications, including esophageal cancer, if left untreated. Esophageal disease is complex and requires a wide spectrum of advanced technology to help quickly diagnose the issue, as well as a comprehensive team to provide expert medical management.

THE INNOVATION

A transformational trio of technology will complement the expertise of Hoag’s world-class clinical team, accelerate early and accurate diagnoses for patients suffering from esophageal disorders, and further differentiate Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute. The Mucosal Integrity Testing technology, or MiVu, instantly detects or rules out GERD instead of waiting a week (or longer) for traditional results with 95% accuracy compared to traditional methods at 64%. EndoFlip provides efficient, dynamic measurements of the esophagus and tests for multiple esophageal conditions. With Alphaone Wireless PH Capsule Reflux Monitoring, reflux can be tracked in patients over several days and vastly improves on the previous experience. 

THE RESULTS

The MiVu, EndoFlip, and Alphaone Wireless PH Capsule Reflux Monitoring system have been ordered and will be operational at Hoag by early 2025. Hoag will be the only health care system in Orange County to offer this comprehensive diagnostic platform, enhancing Hoag’s status as a leader and enabling more research and innovation that will advance care.

“We’re so grateful to have the support of Innovators to be able to offer the most cutting-edge technology in esophageal care. I recently saw a patient that was elated to hear Hoag is getting a new, nickel-free, convenient way to diagnose her GERD. She had a terrible time with this test previously due to sensitivity, and her anxiety dropped visibly when I told her about our new technology. Thank you for helping us be able to provide these options to our patients!”  – Dr. Katie Blevins

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