About the LINX Procedure
Medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) attempt to control or suppress acid production in the stomach, but don't address the cause of GERD, which is a weak sphincter muscle. The LINX procedure is for patients who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite taking medication.
The LINX system is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads and connected by titanium wires. The LINX ring is implanted laparoscopically around the esophageal sphincter above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads keeps the sphincter closed to help prevent reflux that occurs when acid and bile flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. Swallowing temporarily separates the beads, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach normally. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes around an hour. Patients generally go home within one day.
