Chronic Heartburn Could Be Treated With a Magnetic Necklace

The LINX Reflux Management System consists of a series of miniature magnetic beads, linked together to form a "bracelet” around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). Once the device is placed it will begin working immediately; magnetic attraction between the beads helps to keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed to prevent reflux, but will open to allow swallowing or the release of higher gastric pressures. Following the procedure, which is performed laparoscopically in a procedure that takes less than an hour, and under physician guidance, patients should be able to resume a normal diet and resume normal activities in less than a week. The LINX device is a under development by Torax Medical (Shoreview, MN, USA). The system was previously evaluated in a feasibility study, which validated its ability to significantly reduce the incidence of reflux, restoring acid exposure to normal levels for most of patients in the study. A current clinical study, which is being held in the Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL, USA) and 14 other centers worldwide, is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the system.

"Medical therapy is effective in controlling and suppressing acid production in the stomach but does not address the source of the reflux, which is a malfunctioning esophageal sphincter,” said C. Daniel Smith, M.D., one of the Mayo Clinic surgeons investigating the new treatment. "This new device is designed to restore the function of the esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux. If the device proves effective, it could make a significant difference in the treatment options we can offer patients.”

GERD is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatus hernia. The standard surgical treatment, sometimes preferred over longtime use of medication, is fundoplication. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia. The procedure is often done laparoscopically.

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Torax Medical
Mayo Clinic