Almost everyone suffers the occasional bout of heartburn or reflux. But when it becomes chronic, leads to problems swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough and/or sore throat, it’s time to see your doctor. Left untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can cause serious problems such as Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition.
The LINX System is a minimally invasive surgical option for patients who:
- Have severe, debilitating heartburn not helped by proton-pump inhibitors (PPI, a medication to reduce the production of gastric acid)
- Have incomplete control of symptoms or increasing symptoms with PPI therapy
- Experience significant side effects with PPI therapy
- Don’t want the more traditional Nissen fundoplication surgical procedure to strengthen the barrier that normally prevents reflux
The anatomy of GERD
Between the stomach and esophagus is a barrier called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The LES opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes to keep stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. For some people, abnormal relaxation of the LES causes GERD. It may be caused or aggravated by alcohol or caffeine, spicy and high-fat food, smoking, pregnancy, obesity, some medications or a medical condition such as a hernia.
Stop Reflux At Its Source
About the LINX System
LINX uses a ring of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The ring is placed around the lower esophageal sphincter. Natural swallowing action temporarily breaks the magnetic attraction, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach. The magnetic bond between the beads help close the LES immediately after swallowing, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
Benefits of LINX
- There is no anatomical change to the stomach as with Nissen fundoplication
- It is potentially reversible
- LINX doesn’t disqualify patients from other gastroesophageal surgeries, if needed
- For most patients it’s a same-day, minimally-invasive, laparoscopic procedure, using general anesthesia
- Patients can eat solid foods right away
- Minimizes gas-bloat syndrome
- Unlike PPI therapy, it addresses the primary source of this disease, an incompetent LES
If you have unresolved GERD, call us right away at 844-217-SLIM to discuss if LINX is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- LINX® is implanted using a surgical technique called laparoscopy. This technique uses small incisions in the abdominal wall to access the area around the esophagus where the device will be placed.
- Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as quickly as tolerated. This helps the body adapt to LINX®.
- Patients are generally able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days.
- Patients who have received LINX® have reported the ability to belch and vomit.
- LINX® is designed to be a lifelong implant. The cases and wires are constructed of titanium, which has a long history of use in permanent medical implants. LINX® uses permanent magnets that are designed not to wear out.
- LINX® should not affect airport security. All patients will be provided with an implant card to have available in the event an issue arises.
- A small number of patients have reported sensations in the area of LINX®. It is not known if this is the device or the result of surgery in the area. These sensations have gone away over time.
- There are two versions of the LINX device. One is safe in MRI scanning machines up to 0.7T, the other is safe to 1.5T. You should discuss the MRI scanning options with your doctor prior to deciding on treatment with LINX®.
- Costs will vary by region and physician. Affordable payment options may be available. Talk to your doctor about payment and financing options.
Indications, Safety and Warnings
The LINX® Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.Contraindications: Do not implant the LINX System in patients with suspected or known allergies to titanium, stainless steel, nickel or ferrous materials.Warnings: The LINX device is considered MR Conditional in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system up to either 0.7 Tesla (0.7T) or 1.5 Tesla (1.5T), depending on the LINX model implanted. Laparoscopic placement of the LINX device is major surgery.General Precautions: The LINX device is a long-term implant for use in patients 21 years or older. Medical management of adverse reactions may include explantation and/or replacement.Potential Risks Associated with LINX System: dysphagia, stomach bloating, nausea, odynophagia, increased belching, decreased appetite, inability to belch or vomit, flatulence, early satiety, device erosion, device migration, infection, pain, and worsening of preoperative symptoms.For more information on the LINX Reflux Management System, contact your physician or Torax Medical, Inc.