Demetrice Moore, 1st patient to have LINX Reflux Management Surgery at DeKalb Medical

The LINX procedure is a highly effective and simple surgical solution for people who suffer from reflux disease (GERD).

The LINX® Reflux Management System, was approved by the FDA in 2012. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). A weak LES allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach up into the esophagus. The LINX® System from Torax Medical is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads is intended to help the LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

The band of beads, which looks like a metal "bracelet," was placed around Moore's esophagus just above his stomach using a surgical technique called laparoscopy. Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the procedure, which generally lasts less than an hour. The LINX® System does not require any anatomic alteration of the stomach.

Moore was able to go home a day after surgery and resumed normal eating habits almost immediately after the procedure.

For more information on the DeKalb Medical Heartburn Solutions Center, please visit www.dekalbmedical.org/our-services/gerd or call 404.501.RFLX (7359).