Surgical Specialists of Charlotte Among the First to Use New LINX® Reflux Management System to Successfully Treat GERD

Charlotte, NC [October, 2017] – Surgical Specialists of Charlotte continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering the most advanced treatment options for patients. The practice is the first in the greater Charlotte region to use the LINX® technology for patients suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with two of its surgeons offering this surgical option. Dr. Bryan Blitstein will consult with patients interested in the procedure at both the Huntersville and University office locations, and Dr. Charles Hill will see patients in the Pineville office. Dr. Blitstein is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been Chief of Surgery at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and Carolinas Healthcare System-University. Dr. Hill is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery. He will serve as Chief of Surgery at Carolinas Healthcare System-Pineville beginning January 2018. Both surgeons are experienced in the management of foregut disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The LINX® Reflux Management System
The LINX® System 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 with a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.

The Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak lower esophageal sphincter that allows harmful gastric fluid to reflux into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, cough, and chest pain. Acid suppression drugs, such as Prevacid®, Nexium®, and Prilosec®, affect gastric acid production but do not repair the sphincter defect and allow continued reflux. GERD can progress to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus and possibly esophageal cancer. Approximately 7% of adults in western countries suffer daily from symptoms of GERD.