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Understanding Your Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD)
Understanding GERD
GERD, also called reflux, is a chronic,
often progressive condition caused by a
weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).
The LES is a muscle at the junction of the
esophagus and stomach that functions as
the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
In people with reflux, the LES is weak,
allowing acid and bile to reflux from the
stomach into the esophagus.
GERD is caused by a weak sphincter muscle
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GERD Symptoms
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.
Other symptoms include:

Regurgitation

Sore throat

Cough

Chest pain
Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, including:

Esophagitis

Stricture

Barrett’s esophagus

Esophageal Cancer
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GERD and Your Quality of Life
Reflux can also significantly impact quality of life.
Patients with reflux disease often experience:
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Poor quality of sleep
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Reduced work productivity
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Dietary compromises to avoid symptoms
Reflux patients may also have concerns about the
long-term effects of reflux or the consequences of
lifelong dependence on reflux medications.
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GERD and Medication
Medications such as Nexium® or Prilosec®,
are designed to control or suppress acid
production in the stomach. These
medications do not address the source of
reflux and do not prevent reflux.
Many patients on reflux medications
experience symptoms, such as, regurgitation,
respiratory complications and acid
breakthrough.
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The LINX® Reflux Management System
LINX® Reflux Management System
The LINX® System is designed to restore
the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
The LINX System consists of a series of
interlinked titanium beads with magnetic
cores. The magnetic attraction between the
beads augments the Lower Esophageal
Sphincter (LES) to prevent reflux.
Swallowing forces temporarily break the
magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to
pass normally into the stomach.
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LINX® Reflux Management System
The LINX System helps keep the
LES closed to prevent reflux
The LINX System expands
temporarily to allow for normal
swallowing
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The LINX® Procedure
LINX® Procedure
The LINX System is placed around the esophagus just above the stomach
by a trained surgeon.
• Standard minimally invasive laparoscopic approach
• Generally completed in less than 1 hour
• No alteration to gastric anatomy
• Reversible
• No post-operative adjustments
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Post-operative Patient Care
What To Expect After Surgery
• Return to a normal diet as soon as tolerated
• Follow steps to manage dysphagia, if encountered
• Return to normal physical activity within a week
• Patients generally maintain ability to belch and vomit
• LINX Implant Card provided to all patients
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Is the LINX® System Right for You?
Indication For Use
FDA INDICATION
The LINX Reflux Management System is indicated for patients diagnosed with
GERD, as defined by abnormal pH testing, who continue to have chronic GERD
symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is the LINX System implanted?
A. The LINX System is implanted using a minimally invasive surgical technique called laparoscopy. This technique uses small incisions in the
abdominal wall to access the area around the esophagus where the device will be placed.
Q. How long does the procedure last?
A. The procedure usually lasts less than an hour, but each patient’s experience may differ.
Q. When can I start eating normally again?
A. Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as soon quickly as tolerated. This helps the body adapt to the LINX System.
Q. When can I return to normal physical activities?
A. Patients are generally able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days.
Q. Will I be able to belch or vomit with the LINX System?
A. Patients who have received the LINX System have reported the ability to belch and vomit.
Q. How long will the LINX System last?
A. The LINX System is designed to be a life-long 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.
Q. Can I go through airport security?
A. The LINX System should not affect airport security. All patients will be provided with an implant card to have available in the event an
issue arises.
Q. Will I be able to feel the LINX System after it has been implanted?
A. 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.
Q. Can I have an MRI?
A. The LINX System is not considered safe for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You must avoid having a MRI test if you are treated with
the LINX System. The MRI could cause serious injury to you and/or interfere with the magnetic strength and the function of the device.
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