Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from incompetency of the lower 
esophageal sphincter that allows the contents of the stomach to reflux into the 
esophagus, the airways, and the mouth. The disease affects about 10% of the 
western population and has a profound negative impact on quality of life. The 
majority of patients are successfully treated with proton-pump inhibitors, but 
up to 40% have incomplete relief of symptoms even after dose adjustment. The 
laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the surgical gold standard, but is 
largely underused because of the level of technical difficulty and the 
prevalence of side effects. These factors have contributed to the propensity of 
patients to continue with medical therapy despite inadequate symptom control and 
complications of the disease. As a consequence, a significant 'therapy gap' in 
the treatment of GERD remains evident in current clinical practice. The LINX(®) 
Reflux Management System (Torax Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is designed to 
provide a permanent solution to GERD by augmenting the sphincter barrier with a 
standardized, reproducible laparoscopic procedure that does not alter gastric 
anatomy and is easily reversible. Two single-group trials confirmed that a 
magnetic device designed to augment the lower esophageal sphincter can be safely 
and effectively implanted using a standard laparoscopic approach. The device 
decreased esophageal acid exposure, improved reflux symptoms and quality of 
life, and allowed cessation of proton-pump inhibitors in the majority of 
patients.