The Bracelet to Relieve Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also known as heartburn) is one of the most common digestive complaints in the United States, causing burning, pain, and swallowing problems that can impair eating, working, and sleeping. Medications to reduce or neutralize stomach acids are the first line of attack, but for many people, they're not enough — nor are they intended to be used forever.
NewYork-Presbyterian surgeons have exceptional experience with the LINX Reflux Management System, a bracelet of magnetic beads that encircles the esophagus and keeps stomach acids where they belong. LINX relieves reflux symptoms, restores comfort and quality of life, and can even free patients from their reliance on anti-GERD medications. Most people go home the same day as their surgery.
Benefits
Instead of surgery, this procedure will allow you to:
- Most people go home the same day as their surgery.
- Relieves reflux symptoms
- Restores comfort and quality of life
- Possibly free patients from their reliance on anti-GERD medications
How does LINX work?
With GERD, damaging acids from the stomach bubble up into the esophagus. The LINX device is a small expandable band of titanium magnetic beads that is wrapped around the base of the esophagus, just above the stomach, during minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The magnetic attraction between the beads keeps it closed when the patient isn't eating. The band expands when food and liquid pass through to the stomach, and then closes again when the patient is done swallowing. LINX is a permanent solution to a life-altering problem.
Is it for me?
LINX may be an option for you if your GERD symptoms cannot be relieved with medication. There are also other surgical options for GERD. Speak to your doctor about the best approach for you.
Evolution of the technology
- This technology could someday be used to treat other intestinal diseases as well as upper digestive problems — esophageal, gastric, duodenal, bile duct, and pancreatic diseases — when fitted over a standard endoscope.
- It is possible that DiLumen may be used to deliver intensive colon cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.