Doctors in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are experimenting with a new procedure that just might spare us a lifetime of heartburn problems.

Dr. James Luketich, a surgeon at the UPMC in Pittsburgh, recently admitted a 24 year-old acid reflux patient into a clinical trial that utilizes a sort of magnetic bracelet for treatment.

In a typical acid reflux case, the valve that is supposed to close after meals will malfunction and therefore remain open, allowing acid to leak. This can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the chest that we know as heartburn.

The key component in the aforementioned procedure is a device called the LINX Reflux Management System, which is surgically inserted into the patient. Once inside, the LINX's magnets create a tension that prevents acid reflux.

Casey Donahoe, the patient who participated in Luketich's trial, has reported positive results, but according to Luketich, it's too early to say whether this is the definite answer to these problems. However, he does agree that the early results warrant further trials.

Source: WPXI.com

Posted by Jay Roberts at 02:39 PM | Permalink