The LINX System Procedure

The LINX System is a proprietary technology that was designed as a long-lasting solution to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is more commonly known as acid reflux. GERD is a chronic problem that plagues millions: an estimated 18-28% of North Americans suffer from the condition. Many physicians treat acid reflux with medications that suppress stomach acid but this merely addresses the symptoms and does nothing to address and correct the cause of the problem.

LINX® System
LINX® System

What is GERD?

GERD is a condition in which stomach contents flow backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve where the esophagus meets the stomach, is weakened and no longer works properly. The esophagus does not tolerate this backflow and becomes irritated and swollen by stomach acid. This causes sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain, among other troubling symptoms. If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to more serious conditions such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer.

How Does The LINX® System Prevent Reflux?

The LINX® System works to stop acid reflux through its unique proprietary technology: a flexible band of magnets encased in titanium beads, then strung together on titanium wire. The LINX System works with the patient’s own body to prevent GERD by keeping the LES closed when it should be closed and allowing it to open when needed.

How Does the LINX Procedure Work?

The attraction between the LINX’s System’s magnetic beads keeps the weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed most of the time, preventing the backwards flow of acid into the esophagus.  When a patient who has had the LINX surgery eats or drinks, the force exerted by the patient’s swallowing reflex temporarily breaks the magnetic bond. (See Figure 1.) This allows food and drink to enter the stomach. After swallowing, magnetic attraction re-closes the LES (Figure 2) and holds it closed, preventing reflux.

During the LINX procedure, your surgeon will put the LINX System in place via laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique. The procedure is done with general anesthesia and usually takes less than one hour. Once in place, the LINX System begins working right away. Patients who have the LINX procedure are able to eat and drink the same day and return to normal activities within a couple of days. As always, patients should consult their surgeon for their own post LINX surgery instructions.

Who is Eligible for LINX Surgery?

Otherwise healthy adults who suffer with acid reflux disease and have not obtained relief of their symptoms through treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) should be eligible for LINX surgery, but a consultation with a physician is necessary to confirm eligibility. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or who may become pregnant should wait until after pregnancy and lactation is completed. Contact the office of Dr. Preeti Malladi to set up a LINX procedure consultation.

Dr Malladi Surgery

LINX Procedure Recovery

The LINX surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one hour. You will be able to return home after a few hours of recovery. You will be given medication to control any pain that you experience from your surgery. You will have five to six small incisions from your minimally invasive surgery and you will experience some soreness during the healing process. You should be sure to move about each day to avoid developing thrombosis (blood clots). Avoid lifting anything heavy (20 lb.s or more) for six weeks after surgery.

You will be on a soft diet for the first few days after your procedure. You gradually reintroduce regular foods into your diet. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Your doctor will go over dietary restrictions and your medication list with you. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s post operative instructions carefully.  You will probably want to take several days off from work to rest and heal.  Most patients are ready to go back to work within 4-10 days of their surgery.

LINX Surgery FAQs

Recovery from surgery is different for each person and depends on the individual’s energy level and overall health. You should plan on taking some time off work to allow your small incisions to heal. Most LINX surgery patients find that they are ready to resume working and most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Do not lift anything over 20 lbs for six weeks after surgery.

Your LINX procedure will take about an hour and you will spend several hours recovering in the hospital but you will go home the same day.

LINX surgery has a very good success rate at improving quality of life and reducing symptoms. According to a five-year study in the New England Journal of Medicine, 85% of patients were able to stop using their PPI medication after having the minimally invasive LINX procedure.

Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as quickly as tolerated. This helps the body adapt to the LINX® System.

Generally, patients are able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days, however, as with any surgical procedure, you should consult your physician regarding post-operative care.

The LINX® System should not affect airport security, however, all patients will be provided with an implant card to have available in the event an issue arises.

Patients who have received the LINX® System have reported the ability to belch and vomit.

The LINX® System is designed to be a lifelong implant. The cases and wires are constructed of titanium, which has a long history of use in permanent medical implants. The LINX® System uses permanent magnets that are designed not to wear out.

A small number of patients have reported sensations in the area of the LINX® System. It is not known if this is the device or the result of surgery in the area. These sensations have gone away over time.

The earlier versions of the LINX® device (originally not approved for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)) are consider safe by the FDA for use with MRIs up to 0.7 Tesla in strength. Later versions of the device are considered safe for MRIs up to 1.5 Tesla. Please ask your doctor abut your particular device.®.  Higher strength MRIs could cause serious injury to you and/or interfere with the magnetic strength and the function of the device.