A PROCEDURE DESIGNED TO STOP REFLUX AT ITS SOURCE
THE PROCEDURE
The LINX system is a small surgical device which looks like a small bracelet.
It consists of a flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores that create a ring shape. It has been designed to restore the body’s natural barrier to reflux in those patients suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). This LINX device is implanted around the esophageal sphincter. The normal sphincter is a circular band of muscle that closes the last few centimeters of the esophagus and prevents the backward flow of stomach contents. A weak sphincter allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. The purpose of the LINX System is to strengthen a weak sphincter using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Strengthening the sphincter prevents the stomach’s contents from backing up into the esophagus and creating reflux.
The LINX System is designed to help the LES resist opening to gastric pressures.The LINX System
The LINX System is designed to expand to allow for normal swallowing.
Magnetic attraction of the device is designed to close the LES immediately after swallowing.
When a person swallows the magnetic force between the beads is overcome by the higher pressure of the force of swallowing. The device expands as the magnetic beads move apart on the titanium wires and allow the food and liquid to pass through it. After which, the magnetic beads return to their closed position and the valve closes. Because the magnetic beads open with pressure, the patient will be able to belch, vomit, and swallow normally. The LINX System eliminates the gas and bloating that is commonly associated with traditional reflux surgery.
LINX Reflux Management system has been designed for life-long use. The device is constructed of titanium, which has a long history in permanent medical implants.
GERDGERD results from a weak Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The weak LES allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.The LINX System is designed to augment the LES, with the aim of restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
GERD results from a weak Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The weak LES allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.
The LINX System is designed to augment the LES, with the aim of restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE PROCEDURE
The LINX Reflux Management System is used in those patients 21 and older who continue to exhibit mild to moderate symptoms of GERD (heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea) while taking the maximum amount of medication used to treat the disease. It can also be considered by patients who do not want to continue taking medication to manage reflux. Patients who are candidates for reflux surgery are also candidates for this procedure.
- It could prevent serious diseases like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer
- It is less invasive surgery than the other surgery normally performed for the treatment of GERD
- No alteration to the gastric anatomy
- Reversible
- No post-operative adjustments
- Patients may return to a normal diet immediately after the procedure
- Reduction of acid exposure to the esophagus
- Improvement or total loss of reflux symptoms
- Reduction or elimination of the medications that were taken for GERD
- Minimal side effects
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE LINX SYSTEM
- It could prevent serious diseases like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer
- It is less invasive surgery than the other surgery normally performed for the treatment of GERD
- No alteration to the gastric anatomy
- Reversible
- No post-operative adjustments
- Patients may return to a normal diet immediately after the procedure
- Reduction of acid exposure to the esophagus
- Improvement or total loss of reflux symptoms
- Reduction or elimination of the medications that were taken for GERD
- Minimal side effects
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing food
- Stomach bloating
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Patients with the LINX system should not have an MRI.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SURGERY
The operation usually takes one hour, but each patient’s experience may differ and it is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
- Return to a normal diet as soon as tolerated
- Follow steps to manage dysphasia, if encountered
- Return to normal physical activity within a week
- Patients generally maintain the ability to belch and vomit
- LINX Implant Card is provided to all patients
WILL THERE BE ANY NOTICEABLE EXPERIENCES OF THE DEVICE BEING PRESENT IN THE BODY
Sensations after surgery in the area of the LINX System have been reported in a small number of patients but that could be attributed to the device or the aftermath of the surgery. These sensations will eventually disappear.
WILL THE PATIENT BE ABLE TO GO THROUGH AIRPORT SCREENING ?
The LINX System should not affect airport security. However, each patient is provided with an Implant Card in the event an issue arises with GERD.
