A new FDA-approved heartburn treatment may ease the burn

This blog post is written by Dr. Michael Kent, cardiothoracic surgeon, in the Chest Disease Center at BIDMC.

‘Tis the season for celebrations, homecomings, stress and for many people, heartburn.

You may be familiar with the feeling of burning and discomfort in the chest often triggered by over-indulgence in fried or acidic foods. It’s estimated that 4 in 10 Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. Heartburn medications like antacids and H2 blockers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. Read more about heartburn triggers here.

For many people, heartburn happens occasionally and dissipates within a few hours, but for others it’s a chronic issue that can lead to serious health problems – even when making healthy food and lifestyle choices.

Chronic heartburn is a common symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) a condition where stomach acid comes back up the esophagus because the lower esophageal sphincter muscle - a valve at the top of the stomach - doesn’t close properly.

GERD is initially treated with lifestyle changes and medications that help reduce stomach acid and can alleviate many symptoms. But for some, medications and lifestyle changes don’t do the trick and surgery is needed. The most common surgery is Nissen fundoplication where the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus and sewn in place. This strengthens the closing ability of the lower esophageal sphincter. Read more about Nissen fundoplication here.

I’m very excited about a new FDA-approved treatment for GERD that came on the market this year. The LINX Reflux Management System is a highly innovative and minimally invasive solution.

The LINX System helps the lower esophageal sphincter muscle stay closed utilizing a string of magnetic titanium beads. The magnetic beads are implanted laparoscopically (or minimally invasively) and wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. The beads act like an elastic waistband on the muscle – they expand when food is swallowed and then tighten up again when the muscle is not being used. Acid is prevented from coming back up the esophagus because the beads keep the esophageal sphincter tightly closed.

Dr. Jonathan Critchlow and I started performing the LINX System surgery at BIDMC in March 2013 and we’ve seen excellent results. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia using minimal laparoscopic incisions. The surgery takes about 30 minutes and patients typically can go home the same day. Most people are back to full capacity within a week or two and are thrilled to report they are symptom free. You can read more about the LINX System and watch a video with Dr. Critchlow, a LINX patient and me here.

If GERD is affecting you or a loved one and medications aren’t alleviating the symptoms, the LINX System is a very attractive option that’s well worth exploring.

Wishing everyone a healthy and heartburn-free holiday season!