Dr. Gillian teaches the first LINX Training Course for Surgeons on the East Coast

Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington, Virginia

Dr. G. Kevin Gillian and Virginia Hospital Center hosted the first East Coast training for LINX® on September 17-18. Dr. Gillian is the founder and director of the Heartburn Center at Virginia Hospital Center and was the first surgeon to implant a LINX device in Virginia and the DC Metro area. Their dedication to evaluating and treating this disease has culminated in the development of the leading LINX center on the East Coast. Visiting surgeons from around the country observed surgical procedures and received training on LINX, a minimally invasive revolutionary treatment for reflux.

LINX is a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux. The device is implanted using a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and for many patients it is an alternative to the more anatomically disruptive fundoplication, commonly used in surgical anti-reflux procedures. The LINX Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with GERD as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.

According to Dr. Gillian, “After nearly 18 years of managing and operating on patients with GERD the LINX procedure is the first novel procedure to demonstrate effective symptom control, durability and safety while reducing some of the side effects associated with the classic surgical treatments. Since our first patient was treated in July of 2013 we have been very satisfied with the symptom control and rapid return to normal daily activities that this procedure allows for. After performing 75 of these procedures in the last two years we are confident that this procedure is going to play a major role in the control of reflux in the millions of patients in this country who are not satisfied with their medical management.”

Dr. Gillian has been training surgeons in a variety of laparoscopic surgical procedures both in the United States and abroad in Europe and Asia for years but found this experience special. “Being able to introduce such an exciting and revolutionary procedure to surgeons who are already established and successful in their own community is a privilege. I enjoy the two-way learning experience as I share my experience with these doctors and entertain their challenging questions while learning from the insights they share with me. “

The Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak lower esophageal sphincter that allows harmful gastric fluid to reflux into the esophagus, resulting in both pain and injury to the esophageal lining. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn and regurgitation, often associated with chronic sleep disruption, and may also include persistent cough, excessive throat clearing, hoarseness and a feeling of a “lump” in the throat.  Acid reflux medications, such as Prevacid®, Nexium®, and Prilosec®, affect gastric acid production, but do not repair the sphincter defect, allowing continued reflux.  GERD is associated with a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

The LINX Reflux Management System

LINX is a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores.  The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux.  The device is implanted using a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and is an alternative to the more anatomically disruptive fundoplication, commonly used in surgical anti-reflux procedures.  The LINX® Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.

LINX does require a surgical procedure and is associated with potential risks, contraindications and life style modifications.  For more information on LINX, including a statement of risks, please visit www.linxforlife.com.

LINX was approved by the FDA in 2012 and is the only available medical device shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Dr. Gillian may be reached in his office at the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute, 703 372 2280 or via the Heartburn Center at Virginia Hospital Center at 703 717 4373.

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