LINX™ Reflux Management System
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LINX™ Reflux Management System
The LINX™ Reflux Management System is used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in patients who haven’t had success with medications.
The device is surgically implanted at the lower end of the esophagus. Magnetic beads on the device provide additional strength to keep a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed.
In a clinical study of 100 patients implanted with the LINX device, 64 patients either had normal amounts of acid in the esophagus or at least a 50% improvement in the amount of acid in the esophagus. Also, 92 patients had improvement in their GERD symptoms, so they felt better.
The clinical study also found that 93 of the 100 patients were able to reduce their medicines or no longer needed to take any medication to treat their GERD symptoms
UR Medicine's Approach
The LINX™ device, which is about the size of a nickel, can be inserted through tiny openings (laparoscopically) in less than an hour.
Note that patients with a LINX™ device cannot undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. The magnetic beads interfere with the machine and can cause the device to be damaged and the patient to be injured.
The device should not be used in anyone who may be allergic or is allergic to titanium, stainless steel, nickel or iron (ferrous) materials.
New patients will be asked to complete a screening, followed by testing before being declared eligible candidates.
Not all insurance carriers cover procedures using the LINX™ Reflux Management System. Patients filing through insurance should contact their carrier prior to their visit to verify coverage.
The most common side effect experienced by patients was difficulty swallowing, and some of the patients had their esophagus expanded (dilated). The second most common side effect was discomfort.
Patient Stories
Life-changing Device Helps Heartburn Sufferer
Mike Gerlach suffered from GERD, or acid reflux, for 30 years. After receiving the LINX Reflux Management System, Mike no longer needed medication to manage his reflux. “I eat all the foods I want, I don’t take any medications for acid reflux….It’s life changing.”
What Sets Us Apart?
As one of only 15 specialized clinical trial sites across the United States and Europe, UR Medicine has been implanting the device since 2009.
We are local pioneers for this innovative procedure and others, such as:
- Management of GERD and esophageal motility disorders using:
- Endoscopic approaches (using a thin tube with a camera on the end to view inside the body)
- Robotic/minimally invasive myotomies (cutting muscle) and anti-reflux procedures
- Minimally invasive lung, esophageal, and gastric surgery (including robotic procedures) such as:
- Lung resections
- Thymectomy
- Tracheal surgery
- Esophageal resections (MIE)
We offer state-of-the-art testing laboratories, and we’ve promoted foregut testing around the world. We’ve also played an important role in the clinical development of acid reflux testing such as ambulatory pH and impedance motility testing.