CARMEL – Indiana University Health North Hospital is the only hospital in the state of Indiana to offer the new, FDA-approved LINX® Reflux Management System, a treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Offered through the Esophageal & Gastric Surgery Center at IU Health North Hospital, the new treatment can provide relief for the millions who suffer from GERD.
Following treatment with the LINX® System, the majority of patients substantially reduced or resolved their reflux symptoms, and eliminated use of their reflux medications. Severe regurgitation was eliminated in all patients, and nearly all patients reported a significant decrease in the need for medication. More than nine in 10 patients reported satisfaction with their overall condition after having the LINX® System.
A study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness for Torax Medical’s LINX® Reflux Management System, a new, FDA-approved medical device. Numerous studies have shown that reflux symptoms persist in up to 40 percent of patients who receive acid suppression medications and that these symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life and healthcare utilization. The LINX® System allows surgeons to leave the stomach intact and support the weak sphincter with a small device placed around the sphincter. The device uses magnetic attraction to help prevent the sphincter from opening to reflux.
“We are very excited to offer innovative solutions for treatment of a very common disease,” stated Daniel McKenna, MD, Medical Director of the Esophageal & Gastric Surgery Center at IU Health North Hospital. “This is a much needed advancement for a disease that can be very debilitating. While medication can assist with alleviating symptoms of GERD, this medical device provides a solution to treat the underlying problem.”
For more information, you can visit iuhealth.org/gerdlinx.
To interview Dr. Daniel McKenna or to request animated video of the LINX System treatment, please contact Libby Springer at 317.688.2765.
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About IU Health North Hospital IU Health North Hospital, a part of Indiana University Health, has provided leading care to Carmel and Hamilton County residents since 2005. With dedicated pavilions for women, children and specialty surgery, and an attached medical office building, IU Health North Hospital brings together physician offices, inpatient beds and operating rooms. Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health North Hospital offers the peace of mind that comes with service and support from Riley Hospital for Children’s nationally recognized programs. All patient rooms are private, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, within the 700,000-square-foot, 189-patient bed facility. To learn more about IU Health North Hospital, visit iuhealth.org/north.
The LINX Reflux Management System The LINX System is a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux. The device is implanted with a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and is an alternative to the more anatomically disruptive fundoplication, commonly used in surgical anti-reflux procedures. The LINX® Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.
For more information on the LINX System, including a brief statement of risks, please visit www.toraxmedical.com.
