If you suffer from GERD and experience symptoms like constantly coughing, you could be a candidate for the Stretta procedure. “It is a great stop gap for patients that want to come off of reflux medications,” said Jay Yepuri, MD. The Stretta procedure works by using an endoscope to apply radio waves to the sphincter of the esophagus, which helps to thicken the muscle walls of the esophagus. Building a stronger barrier to help keep down food and liquid.