LINX® Reflux Management System

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a valve, allowing food and liquid to pass through to the stomach. Normally, the LES resists opening to gastric pressures to prevent reflux. In people with GERD, the LES is weak and allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, often causing injury to the lining of the esophagus and symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, sore throat and cough.

LINX® Reflux Management System

The LINX® Reflux Management System is an FDA-approved device that may be recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of GERD. Surgical treatment of GERD should be considered when patients’ symptoms are not controlled with lifestyle modification and medications. Patients who do not want to take medications indefinitely may also want to consider surgical options.

How does LINX® work?

The LINX® system is a small, flexible magnetic band of titanium beads. The magnetic attraction between the beads is intended to help the weak LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. LINX is designed so that swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach. Magnetic attraction of the device is designed to close the LES immediately after swallowing, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.

Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the minimally invasive procedure, which is completed in approximately an hour. Every case is different, so there is some variability in the time it takes to perform the procedure. Once implanted, the device will begin working immediately.

In a recent 5-year study of patients who had the LINX® procedure:

• 85% remained free from dependence on daily GERD medication.
• 99% experienced no regurgitation.
• Baseline heartburn was reduced from 89% to 11.9%.

LINX® BENEFITS

• Restores reflux barrier
• Preserves the ability to belch and vomit
• Reduces or eliminates dependence on medication
• Reduces gas and bloating
• No alteration to gastric fundus
• Removable
• Does not limit future treatment options

If your GERD symptoms aren't being controlled by current medications or are getting worse, it might be time to consider advanced treatment. Call 614-234-LIFE for a physician referral.

For additional information regarding the LINX® Reflux Management System, please visit www.linxforlife.com.