Linx Reflux Management System

The Linx Reflux Management System, also known as the LINX device, refers to a surgically implanted device used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disease in the United States, in the case that maximum traditional medical therapy is unsuccessful in reducing symptoms. This device is an expandable ring consisting of a series of magnetic titanium beads and connected by sliding titanium wire, allowing components to move independently but not separate. More specifically, each bead contains a neodymium iron boron magnetic core coated with biocompatible titanium, which minimizes compression when at rest and expands at high pressure. 

To treat symptoms, the device strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that surrounds and closes a bodily opening, thus preventing backflow of contents of the stomach into the esophagus. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is laparoscopic in nature, utilizing a thin lighted tube inserted into tiny incisions instead of one large, open incision. A specialized sizing tool is also used to accurately measure the external esophageal circumference in the target area, ensuring the surgeon selects the appropriately sized LINX device for each patient. This procedure can generally be performed in under 1 hour, and its minimally invasive feature allows for relatively faster recovery and a start on a solid diet for patients immediately post-surgery.

A growing amount of reviews and literature of safety, efficacy, and long-term durability of this treatment, with a recently published 5-year of patients with implanted LINX devices noting no device erosions, migrations, or malfunctions. It is also to be noted that only 1% of patients over the 5 years experienced regurgitation of symptoms, while all patients preserved the original ability to belch and vomit as needed. However, this technology is yet to reach its fullest potential, with many factors still in the works. This includes its common side effect of dysphagia, present in around 70% of patients in the first few weeks, inability of usage for patients with suspected or known allergies to metals such as iron, nickel, titanium, or stainless steel, as well as its safety and effectiveness not being evaluated in patients with conditions such as major motility disorders, cancer, morbid obesity, scleroderma, and more.

by Renee Wang at Incisionary

APA References

Medical College of Wisconsin. (n.d.). The LINX® Reflux Management System | Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal Surgery. Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal Surgery. Retrieved December 19, 2025, from https://www.mcw.edu/departments/surgery/divisions/minimally-invasive-and-gastrointestinal-surgery/patient-care/gerd-and-gastrointestinal-surgery-program/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/the-linx-reflux-management-system

SAGES Webmaster. (2017, March 13). SAGES Technology and Value Assessment Committee (TAVAC) Safety and Effectiveness Analysis. LINX® Reflux Management System. Retrieved December 19, 2025, from https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/tavac-safety-and-effectiveness-analysis-linx-reflux-management-system/