FARGO, N.D. – One in five people in the United States is affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, which is a chronic disease caused from stomach acid flowing from the stomach back into the esophagus. GERD sufferers now have a new treatment option known as LINX® Reflux Management System, which helps stop reflux at its source.
Sanford Health providers Luis Garcia, M.D., and Matthew Fabian, D.O., are the only physicians in the region trained to perform LINX®.
The LINX® System is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads. The beads are connected by titanium wires. The LINX® System is implanted around the weak esophageal sphincter, just above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads keeps the weak esophagus closed to help prevent reflux.
“The band has enough pressure to keep the esophagus closed when the patient is in a normal state. When the patient eats, though, it opens up to allow food to go through,” said Dr. Garcia.
“This procedure helps keep abnormal amounts of acid from reaching the esophagus, and the procedure is a great alternative to constantly taking antacids or other medication to control heartburn. This is a growing problem in the U.S., with a large percent of our population looking for relief from chronic acid reflux. We think LINX® has a lot of potential,” said Dr. Fabian.
If left untreated, GERD can worsen until patients develop Barrett’s disease or even esophageal cancer. Previously, patients’ main treatment option was medication. Patients who receive this procedure have been found to either reduce or no longer need medications. LINX® surgery is a minimally invasive surgery and most patients are able to go home after one night in the hospital.
Sanford’s first two patients recently went through the procedure with positive outcomes. LINX® is the only FDA-approved device to treat GERD.
For more information, please visit SanfordHealth.org keyword LINX.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health is an integrated health system headquartered in the Dakotas and is now the largest, rural, not-for-profit health care system in the nation with locations in 126 communities in nine states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Ghana, Israel, Mexico and China.
Sanford Health includes 39 hospitals, 140 clinic locations and 1,360 physicians in 81 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 26,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest employer in North Dakota and South Dakota. The system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with nearly a $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford. These gifts are making possible the implementation of several initiatives, including global children's clinics, multiple research centers and finding cures for type 1 diabetes and breast cancer. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org.
Sanford Media Strategist – Fargo Region
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