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Linx experiences?

Posted by Drroberts @drrobertsmsmft, Jul 18, 2017

Has anyone had the Linz procedure and what was your experience?

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saucy | @saucy | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @howardbg "Actually, not really. It’s really been amazing for me. I had terrible GERD back then, eating..." + (show)
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Actually, not really. It’s really been amazing for me. I had terrible GERD back then, eating anything, drinking water. It cured it 100% and I went off meds. In the later years, including now, not sure when it started, sometimes I feel I can’t clear my throat, however, I don’t have to attempt to and no pain or anything. So not really a big deal. What I will say to anyone thinking of the procedure, is to really consider if you might ever need an MRI. LINX procedure on or before 5/22/15 you can only have an MRI with 0.7T (Tesla, no, not the car), strength of magnet. After that date, it was possible to get the device that works with a 1.5T MRI. My problem now is I need an MRI for my wrist. You can’t find 0.7T anymore. All the imaging companies have upgraded, I actually think they are now at 7T. So even getting the LINX procedure now you risk not being able to find 1.5T facilities very shortly. 3T seems very common now. So, I’m screwed. I have to figure out what to do.

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I had Mincus surgery last Nov and the doctor wanted an MRI but there was no 0.7 in my area so had to go on X-ray alone. Also need one to check for brain problem and had to have a cat scan instead. Always had MRI for breast but no longer can do that so think it's time to get it out anyway. The linx worked till it didn't!

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jojo | @jord | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @saucy "Mine was not part of the recall and not all of them were." + (show)
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Mine was not part of the recall and not all of them were.

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if you know what your was, would you please share it?

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jojo | @jord | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @howardbg "Actually, not really. It’s really been amazing for me. I had terrible GERD back then, eating..." + (show)
Profile picture for howardbg @howardbg

Actually, not really. It’s really been amazing for me. I had terrible GERD back then, eating anything, drinking water. It cured it 100% and I went off meds. In the later years, including now, not sure when it started, sometimes I feel I can’t clear my throat, however, I don’t have to attempt to and no pain or anything. So not really a big deal. What I will say to anyone thinking of the procedure, is to really consider if you might ever need an MRI. LINX procedure on or before 5/22/15 you can only have an MRI with 0.7T (Tesla, no, not the car), strength of magnet. After that date, it was possible to get the device that works with a 1.5T MRI. My problem now is I need an MRI for my wrist. You can’t find 0.7T anymore. All the imaging companies have upgraded, I actually think they are now at 7T. So even getting the LINX procedure now you risk not being able to find 1.5T facilities very shortly. 3T seems very common now. So, I’m screwed. I have to figure out what to do.

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Can you please let us know what they do during surgery and what kind of device they use? Thanks

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howardbg | @howardbg | Jun 17, 2023

Sorry, I don’t really understand the question. Maybe you mean, it’s been 14 years, so I don’t remember a lot and I could be wrong or it’s changed. 3 small incisions, one in neck and two in stomach. I really don’t remember. Device?

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saucy | @saucy | Jun 18, 2023

Mine was not part of the recall however it's been updated several times and mine is the original. Not sure how many were in the recall.

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baywood | @baywood | May 29, 2024
In reply to @kdubois "Hi @drrobertsmsmft, the LINX procedure is a great alternative to a Nissen Fundoplication. Instead of wrapping..." + (show)
Profile picture for Kelly, Alumna Mentor @kdubois

Hi @drrobertsmsmft, the LINX procedure is a great alternative to a Nissen Fundoplication. Instead of wrapping the stomach around the base of the esophagus, they use a small device. The LINX company's home page shows a photo of the device: http://www.linxforlife.com. And if you Google "Mayo Clinic LINX", you can watch several videos about it.

With that said, I had to have a Nissen Fundoplication because my Mayo doctors said that my hiatal hernia was too large. Many insurances also will not cover it, so be sure to check out whether or not your insurer will cover it if you proceed.

As an aside, I became very ill from taking PPIs for 12 years. Genetically, I don't properly-metabolize them *plus* these drugs also inhibit the enzyme they themselves need to be metabolized. Though prescribed long-term, the packages state not to take them long-term.

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Was your Fundo successful?

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baywood | @baywood | May 29, 2024
In reply to @sylvias "So you had a motility study done? This is where they pass a special catheter through..." + (show)
Profile picture for sylvias @sylvias

So you had a motility study done? This is where they pass a special catheter through the nose into the esophagus. The RN then has the patient take sips of saline and swallow. Mine showed my esophagus was actually spasming trying to push whatever is swallowed thru the herniation.

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Me as well. Dr. said I couldn't have Linx without the completion of the motility test

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bosco17 | @bosco17 | Mar 20, 2025

Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are just a patch not a fix!! Has anyone tried the Linx proceedure ? If so how did it work for you as I am considering it.

Thanks Steve

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cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | Mar 22, 2025
In reply to @bosco17 "Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are..." + (show)
Profile picture for bosco17 @bosco17

Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are just a patch not a fix!! Has anyone tried the Linx proceedure ? If so how did it work for you as I am considering it.

Thanks Steve

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I've not had it done, however I'm about to have a Hellers Myotomy for EGJOO with a Nissan wrap. The Linx's procedure sounds a lot better then a wrap only because if they get it to tight then the surgery will be for nothing.
I'm going to ask my GI about whether a Linx is a option.

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Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 29, 2025
In reply to @bosco17 "Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are..." + (show)
Profile picture for bosco17 @bosco17

Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are just a patch not a fix!! Has anyone tried the Linx proceedure ? If so how did it work for you as I am considering it.

Thanks Steve

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Hi, @bosco17 - sorry to hear you've been suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for many years.

Tagging some members on Connect who've talked about the LINX device, a ring of tiny magnetic beads wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus, for their input on how this implant worked for them or information they've researched about it @drrobertsmsmft @baywood @saucy @fourof5zs @sylvias @howardbg. I'd also like you to invite @hopeful33250 to join this discussion.

While waiting for these members to jump in and talk about experiences with the LINX, I thought I'd suggest this information on GERD and the device from Mayo Clinic:

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
bosco17, are you still considering this implant? If so, do you have plans for this procedure?

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