LINX/GERD

What is GERD?

Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the food pipe and irritates the lining due to the weak (LES) muscles. Common symptoms from GERD include heartburn, belching, nausea, or regurgitation. Also common is discomfort in the upper abdomen. Medication is usually prescribed but may not be a long-term solution. This is where LINX may be able to help.

The LINX device is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with a magnetic core and looks like a bracelet and is the size of a quarter. This device is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter also known as (LES) which is located at the base of the esophagus. The beads are used to prevent gastric acids or bile from pushing back up from the stomach causing the person to have gastric reflux.

The LINX device works through magnetic beads opening to allow for easy swallowing of food and liquids, these pass through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the stomach and the beads close afterward to prevent it from coming back up. The Linx beads keep the acid down in the same manner as a normally functioning (LES) would.

This procedure can help you return to a normal lifestyle unaffected by GERD.

Book an Appointment

Understanding LINX

LINX Pre & Post Operation Information

Laparoscopic Fundoplication Information

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Jim Hanosh, MD, FACS

Dr. Leonard K. Welsh, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr. Welsh on LINX

Dr. Welsh talks about how our practice is the first to provide of LINX on the Western Slope

Medication

85% of patients were free from dependence on daily reflux medication after treatment with LINX. Farewell to the pharmacy.

Freedom from Heartburn

88% of LINX patients reported that bothersome heartburn had been eliminated after treatment with LINX. Make heartburn history.

Bloating

There’s no going back to the discomfort. Patients reported significant improvement in gassiness and bloating after treatment with LINX

Regurgitation

99% of patients eliminated bothersome regurgitation after treatment with LINX. Now that’s a one-way route to a better life.

Testimonials

“Since my early thirties l suffered first heartburn that l managed fairly well with prescription drugs. When a new or better one came out I’d change and get a bit more relief but over time, it just got worse. Around ten years ago l began experiencing frequent nighttime reflux. There’s nothing quite like waking from sleep coughing with your throat on fire.

I tried several different prescriptions and supplemented them with over the counter antacids. By last year l had graduated to a prescription medicine in the morning and a handful of heavy duty antacids at bedtime, including one that l kept in my mouth overnight. Often it still wasn’t enough.

I’d seen the ads with Dr. Hanosh about Linx and finally called and made an appointment early this year. After a consultation with Dr. Hanosh l decided to have the Linx procedure. lt was delayed by the Covid quarantine, but l finally had surgery in June. After one night in the hospital l went home and stopped the pain meds after a few days. I took ibuprofen for a week or so but the pain was minimal.

Since the surgery l have almost completely stopped any antacid medicine. The reflux is gone, full stop. After the procedure l was required for a few weeks to chew small bites and eat frequently. At this point l eat normally, without pain.

Everything went well for me; I only wish I’d have had this done much sooner. "

Linx/GERD