Magnetic Augmentation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter: Results of a Feasibility Clinical Trial

The high prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease continues to encourage the development of treatment modalities to fill the gap between acid-suppression therapy and the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation device has been designed to augment the lower esophageal sphincter barrier using magnetic force. A multi-center feasibility trial was done to evaluate safety and efficacy. Patients with typical heartburn (at least partially responding to proton-pump inhibitors), abnormal esophageal acid exposure, and normal esophageal peristalsis were enrolled. Patients with hiatal hernia > 3 cm were excluded from the study. The device was implanted laparoscopically around the distal esophagus. Over a 1-year period, 38 out of 41 enrolled patients underwent this procedure in 3 hospitals. No operative complications were recorded. A free diet was allowed since post-operative day one, and 97% of patients were discharged within 48 h. The mean follow-up was 209 days (range 12-434 days). The GERD-HRQL score decreased from 26.0 to 1.0 (p < 0.005). At 3 months post-operatively, 89% of patients were off anti-reflux medications, and 79% of patients had a normal 24-h pH test. All patients preserved the ability to belch. Mild dysphagia occurred in 45% of patients. No migrations or erosions of the device occurred. Laparoscopic implant of the MSA device is safe and well tolerated. It requires minimal surgical dissection and a short learning curve compared to the conventional Nissen fundoplication.