FDA Approves New Heartburn Procedure
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: March 28, 2012
The FDA has approved a treatment for chronic heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD) that WTAJ told you about earlier this month.
The LINX Reflux Management System is composed of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core, connected with independent titanium wires to form a ring shape. In a 20-minute procedure, surgeons place the device around the bottom of the esophagus.
Magnetic attraction between the beads helps the esophagus open up when food goes down then close tightly so acid can't find its way up. It's designed for patients whose acid reflux can't be controlled by medication.
The most common adverse events experienced with the LINX included difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing food, chest pain, vomiting, and nausea.
It is important to note that patients with LINX will no longer be able to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. The magnetic beads interfere with the machine and can cause the device to be damaged and the patient to be injured.
The LINX Reflux Management System is composed of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core, connected with independent titanium wires to form a ring shape. In a 20-minute procedure, surgeons place the device around the bottom of the esophagus.
Magnetic attraction between the beads helps the esophagus open up when food goes down then close tightly so acid can't find its way up. It's designed for patients whose acid reflux can't be controlled by medication.
The most common adverse events experienced with the LINX included difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing food, chest pain, vomiting, and nausea.
It is important to note that patients with LINX will no longer be able to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. The magnetic beads interfere with the machine and can cause the device to be damaged and the patient to be injured.
