Acid Reflux Specialist in Jacksonville, Florida
LINX (Lower Esophageal Sphincter Augmentation)
The LINX is a small flexible ring with titanium beads with magnetic cores. It is placed by laparoscopy (tiny incisions in the abdomen) around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It sits comfortably around the LES assisting it in preventing gastric contents reflux into the esophagus.
It provides a slight higher pressure than the reflux pressure, keeping the contents in the stomach. However, its pressure is significantly lower than the pressure generated by the esophagus when liquids or food goes down, allowing the magnetic beads to open apart allowing it to pass through the LES and LINX. After the swallow goes through, the magnetic attraction closes it back comfortably around the LES.
When can I start eating normally again?
Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as quickly as tolerated. This helps the body adapt to the LINX® Reflux Management System.
When can I return to normal physical activities?
Most patients can return to normal physical activities within a few days after surgery. Your doctor will provide specific recommendations based on your individual recovery.
Can I go through airport security?
Yes. The LINX device should not affect airport security. You will be provided with an implant card to keep in your wallet to explain the device if needed.
Can I have an MRI test after receiving the LINX Reflux Management System?
There are two versions of the LINX device. One is safe for MRI up to 0.7-Tesla, and the newer one is safe up to 1.5-Tesla. You should discuss this with your doctor and always inform imaging technicians that you have a LINX implant.
Will the magnets wear out?
No. The LINX device uses permanent magnets that are designed to provide a lifelong treatment for GERD.
Clinical Data For LINX
Please click on the links included below to learn more about the results of studies conducted on the LINX® Reflux Management System.
- Annals of Thoracic Surgery – Short-Term Outcomes Using Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Versus Nissen Fundoplication for Medically Resistant Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
- Diseases of the Esophagus – Safety analysis of first 1000 patients treated with magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Journal of the American College of Surgeons – Introduction of Mechanical Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease into Practice: Early Clinical Outcomes and Keys to Successful Adoption.
- Journal of the American College of Surgeons – One Hundred Consecutive Patients Treated with Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: 6 Years of Clinical Experience from a Single Center.
- New England Journal of Medicine – Esophageal sphincter device for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology – LINX® Reflux Management System: magnetic sphincter augmentation in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Surgical Endoscopy – The LINX® reflux management system: confirmed safety and efficacy now at 4 years
- Annals of Surgery – Laparoscopic sphincter augmentation device eliminates reflux symptoms and normalizes esophageal acid exposure.
- Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery – Magnetic augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter: results of a feasibility clinical trial.
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy – Use of a magnetic sphincter for the treatment of GERD: a feasibility study.