LINX is a minimally invasive treatment for persistent heartburn or GERD. Unlike some other surgical options, it doesn’t alter your digestive system. It takes about 30 minutes to implant. Most patients can go home the same day or next day and resume a normal diet.
How LINX Works
Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD) is sometimes caused by a weak muscle in your esophagus called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). A weak LES allows acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. This can damage the lining of the esophagus, throat
LINX is a small, flexible ring of magnetic titanium beads placed around the esophagus. The ring opens to allow food and liquid down, then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up.
How the LINX System is Implanted
The LINX System is placed around the esophagus just above the stomach using a surgical technique called laparoscopy. Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the procedure. (See Fig. 1-3).
Figure 1: A precision sizing tool is used to determine the appropriate size LINX System.
Figure 2: The LINX System is placed around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES.
Figure 3: The ends of the LINX System are aligned and joined to securely close it and hold it in place.
Learn More About LINX
- Watch a brief video about how LINX works
- Download a patient information brochure [PDF]