Atif Iqbal, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Digestive Care Center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., describes his experience using the LINX Reflux Management System from Torax Medical.
Question: How have you incorporated the LINX device into your practice?
Dr. Atif Iqbal: The LINX device has a very high patient satisfaction rate. After surgery, patients are GERD symptom free and have a great quality of life. It is incorporated as a new and emerging surgical option for immediate symptom resolution among GERD patients.
Q: How does this device compare to other GERD treatments available on the market?
AI: Instant resolution of symptoms with minimal side effects of surgery. It's done with minimally invasive technique, faster recovery, same day discharge and same day regular food. These benefits are not available with conventional surgical fundoplication.
We are excited to offer the LINX procedure because it is a viable treatment option for patients who continue to experience daily episodes of GERD despite taking OTCs or prescribed medication. By understanding the common causes and symptoms associated with this disease, the more proactive we can be in treating and potentially preventing it from occurring.
Q: Do you think the LINX device will become the standard of care in GERD treatment?
AI: I think it has a long way to go. Continuous education to PCPs and gastroenterologists, increasing awareness among prospective patients, long term data defining good results will be needed to make it a standard of care.
Q: How do you think available GERD treatments could be improved?
AI: Early and proper diagnosis, education to family doctors to try to cure the disease process not the symptom can help significantly to improve the treatment. Appropriate referral to centers in the treatment of GERD can make a huge difference.