A new, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure is being offered at Heritage Valley Beaver for chronic sufferers of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux.
Many people experience heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but more than 15 million Americans suffer from it daily according to the American Gastroenterological Association. Those experiencing symptoms regularly may use over-the-counter or prescription medications to deal with symptoms. Medications, however do not solve the problem, they merely help manage the symptoms. When left untreated, reflux disease can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
The new procedure, performed by Dr. Eric Boyle of Heritage Valley Medical Group Surgical associates, involves the LINX®Reflux Management System, a flexible band of titanium beads with magnetic cores that is implanted around the patient’s esophagus just above the stomach. The LINX device is approximately the same diameter as a quarter. Once implanted, the flexible ring of magnets opens to allow food and liquid to pass to the stomach and then closes to prevent contents from moving back up into the esophagus.
“The LINX procedure is an excellent option for patient diagnosed with GERD who continue to have chronic reflux symptoms despite maximum medication therapy,” said Dr. Boyle. “Studies indicate nearly 90 percent of patients don’t need to take reflux medication after LINX implantation. Following the procedure, patients are able to resume a normal diet and activities within a week.”
The LINX device has been implanted in almost 10,000 patients nationally after receiving FDA approval in 2012.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Heritage Valley Medical Group Surgical Associates at 724.773.6400. Offices are located in Bridgewater and Sewickley. For more information about the LINX procedure at Heritage Valley, click here.
About Heritage Valley Health System
Heritage Valley Health System is a $480 million integrated delivery network providing comprehensive health care for residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, in Pennsylvania; eastern Ohio; and the panhandle of West Virginia. In partnership with 3,500 employees and more than 480 physicians, Heritage Valley offers a broad range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services at its two hospitals, Heritage Valley Sewickley and Heritage Valley Beaver; in 60 physician offices; and 18 community satellite facilities. For more information about Heritage Valley Health System, please visit www.heritagevalley.org.