LINX™ Reflux Management System

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The type of treatment you receive depends on your condition and anatomy. Your specialist will discuss the best options for you.

What is the LINX system?

The LINX System is a small, flexible band of magnetic beads placed around the oesophagus (food pipe) to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD).

• GORD occurs when the valve between the stomach and oesophagus is weak, allowing stomach acid to flow back.
• The magnetic beads help the valve stay closed to prevent reflux.
• Swallowing food or liquids overcomes the magnets, allowing normal passage into the stomach.

Benefits of LINX

• Recommended by NICE as a safe alternative to fundoplication
• Rapid return to normal diet (usually within 48 hours)
• Often a day-case 
• Can improve quality of life and control reflux symptoms

Who should not have LINX?

• Allergies to titanium, stainless steel, nickel, or ferrous materials 
• Metallic implants such as pacemakers or defibrillators
• Swallowing difficulties, or motility disorders

Before Surgery

Your doctor will arrange tests to assess your oesophagus and overall health, which will include a gastroscopy and Oesophageal Physiology.

LINX implantation Surgery

• Performed under general anaesthetic via keyhole surgery
• LINX band is placed around the oesophagus and ends are connected
• Procedure usually takes under 1 hour
• Device becomes encapsulated in tissue and rarely moves

After Surgery

The LINX implantation is a day case procedure. Your surgeon will arrange clinic follow up 6 weeks after surgery.

Diet and swallowing

You should return to a normal diet within 48 hours, as soon as tolerated after the surgery. This is important to ensure proper healing at the implant site of the LINX System.   You may have difficulty swallowing.  You may feel like you are having difficulty or pain with swallowing after the surgery. This is normal and expected especially for weeks 2-12.

If you have trouble swallowing, follow these steps:  

• Drink a few sips of water before taking your first bite of food and between bites as necessary.  
• Take small bites of foods that can easily pass down your oesophagus and into your stomach.  
• Chew food well before swallowing.  
• Foods like bread, pasta, rice, and meat are more likely to cause problems.

Possible Risks and Complications

Common complications:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Chest or upper abdominal pain
• Stomach bloating

Serious or less common complications:

• Infection (lungs, blood, abdomen, urinary tract)
• Blood clots in legs or lungs
• Bleeding requiring transfusion or surgery
• Injury to blood vessels, nerves, organs, or lung lining
• Delayed perforation, sometimes requiring further surgery or ICU care
• Drain insertion into abdomen or chest
• Prolonged swallowing difficulties (may need investigation/treatment)
• Incomplete or recurrent reflux (may require medication or surgery)
• Device erosion or failure (rare, may need surgery)
• Gas bloating, diarrhoea, or hernia at incision site
• Death (very rare, risk varies with health)

Other Considerations

• You will receive a LINX implant card—carry it at all times
• You may travel as soon as advised by your doctor. The LINX System should not interfere with airport security. Carry your implant card when traveling so others know you have an implanted device in case of an emergency.
• The LINX System is safe for MRI scans up to 1.5 Tesla (1.5 T). Always inform your doctor and MRI staff before any MRI