An Alternative to a Lifetime of Reflux Medication
The LINX™ Reflux Management System is a small, reversible implant clinically studied to produce consistent, durable relief from GERD symptoms1–3 — placed laparoscopically by our reflux & heartburn surgical team.
Designed to work in harmony with your own anatomy
LINX consists of a series of titanium beads with magnetic cores, connected by independent titanium wires with a multi-directional locking clasp. Our surgeons place this flexible ring laparoscopically around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid where it belongs.
The magnetic attraction between the beads is calibrated to add strength to a weak LES, restoring the barrier against reflux, while remaining flexible enough for the beads to separate during swallowing as food passes. Because LINX augments the sphincter rather than reconstructing the stomach, it is designed to work without compressing the esophagus.4
Patients with a LINX device can undergo most diagnostic imaging, including X-ray, ultrasound, PET, and CT scans, plus MRI under specific conditions.4
Outpatient, laparoscopic, and typically under an hour
LINX may benefit patients who are:
LINX is an option for GERD patients with hiatal hernias of any size.2 Hernias 3 cm or larger are repaired at the time of implantation; patients with large and small hernias have shown similar rates of symptom improvement.2 In one study, 95% of patients with large hernias were free of hernia recurrence at 18 months after hernia repair plus LINX.8
Every patient is evaluated individually — typically with endoscopy, pH testing, and high-resolution esophageal manometry — before we recommend LINX, fundoplication, or continued medical management.
In a randomized controlled trial, LINX outperformed twice-daily medication
At 12 months, 9 of 10 LINX patients were free from GERD medication.7 In a separate trial, 91% of LINX patients had a normal number of reflux episodes at 6 months, versus 58% on twice-daily proton pump inhibitors.6
LINX alongside Nissen fundoplication
Durable results at 5 years1
Reflux after sleeve gastrectomy? LINX can help.
Many of our bariatric patients develop or continue to experience GERD after sleeve gastrectomy. Because LINX is fundic-sparing, it’s an option we can offer alongside the bariatric care you’ve already received from our team — without revising your sleeve.
Ask about LINX at your next weight-loss follow-up →A well-studied, low incidence of device complications
Based on manufacturer and FDA device-experience data for over 27,000 patients (2015–2020):9
In a separate long-term follow-up study, no device erosions or migrations were observed in patients at a median of 9 years post-op.5
The 2022 ACG Clinical Practice Guidelines recognize LINX as a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic fundoplication for appropriate GERD patients.10
Frequently asked questions
Ready to talk about life without daily reflux medication?
Our Reflux & Heartburn Program team will review your history and evaluation results to determine whether LINX, fundoplication, or another option is the right fit.
Indication: LINX is a laparoscopic, fundic-sparing anti-reflux procedure indicated for patients diagnosed with GERD, as defined by abnormal pH testing, who are seeking an alternative to continuous acid-suppression therapy. Rx Only.
Contraindications: Do not implant LINX in patients with suspected or known allergies to titanium, stainless steel, nickel, or ferrous materials.
Warnings: LINX is MR Conditional in an MRI system up to 0.7 Tesla or 1.5 Tesla, depending on the model implanted; scanning under other conditions may cause serious injury or affect device function. LINX can be removed laparoscopically if MRI is required. Patients are encouraged to register their implant with the MedicAlert Foundation. Improper securement of the device may require a second operation.
General Precautions: LINX is a long-term implant; removal and/or replacement may be indicated at any time. Hiatal hernias 3 cm or larger require repair at the time of implantation. Safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in patients with: scleroderma; suspected or confirmed esophageal or gastric cancer; prior esophageal or gastric surgery other than sleeve gastrectomy; esophageal motility disorders (including achalasia); frequent dysphagia in the last 3 months; esophageal stricture or anatomic abnormalities; esophageal or gastric varices; pregnancy or lactation; BMI over 35; age under 21; electrical implants such as pacemakers or defibrillators; or Grade C/D esophagitis.
Potential Side Effects: Risks associated with laparoscopic surgery and anesthesia, plus device-specific risks including difficulty or painful swallowing, bloating, gas, nausea, device erosion, device migration, inability to belch or vomit, regurgitation, pain, infection, and the potential need for device removal or replacement. Individual results may vary. Your surgeon can help determine if LINX is right for you.