Back in 2010 the Linx device, which is a small metal necklace was approved in Europe and since then it has FDA approval here in the 
US. Many people suffer from GERD which is acid reflux and can lead to other complications. People that have is chronically get that awful acid up from the stomach. I have experience it a few times in life but it’s not a condition for me as sometimes certain food can cause an isolated condition. I mention this though as I can certainly feel for those who get it all the time, augh.
Torax Medical GERD Implant Device is Granted European CE Mark Approval – Trials in US Continue
The story here is about a couple patients in the OC at Hoag Hospital who received the implant device and so far so good. There are magnets that push a little more pressure to help seal off the stomach acid. As the article states too there is a side benefit as those who have the device
have to eat a little slower and thus they have lost a few pounds in adjusting their personal eating habits, not a bad deal for a side effect at all since people trying to lose weight do that anyway. A small amount of patients had to have the device removed with swallowing problems but they seem to be the minority here and that can happen with any device or drug. Our bodies are all different but you wouldn’t think so when you see some the crazy analytics folks pump out there to make a case to make money or save money:) BD
A tiny magnetic bracelet implanted at the base of the throat is greatly improving life for some people with chronic heartburn who need more help than medicine can give them.
It's a novel way to treat severe acid reflux, which plagues millions of Americans and can raise their risk for more serious health problems.
It happens when a weak muscle doesn't close after swallowing as it should. That lets stomach juices splash back into the throat. Drugs like Nexium and Prilosec reduce acid. But they don't fix the underlying problem, called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The Linx device, made by Torax Medical Inc., of St. Paul, Minn., is a ring of titanium beads with magnets inside. Doctors place it around the weak muscle at the base of the esophagus in a half-hour operation using a scope and "keyhole" incisions in the belly. The ring reinforces the weak muscle to keep it closed, yet is flexible and expands to let food pass when someone swallows. The ring comes in multiple sizes; it is about a half-inch in diameter and expands to about 1.5 inches. People don't feel it once it is implanted.
The device costs $5,000; the operation can run $12,000 to $20,000 depending on hospital charges, said Dr. John Lipham, a surgeon who offers it at the University of Southern California and at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. Many insurers cover it for patients who are not helped enough by antacid medicines.
http://news.yahoo.com/implanted-bracelet-helps-treat-chronic-heartburn-140805809.html
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