Platform Technology

PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA)

Torax Medical is focused on the development of implantable devices that utilize magnetic attraction to correct defective sphincters throughout the digestive tract.

Properly functioning sphincters are critical to the management of food and waste in the digestive tract; aiding in proper digestion, protecting the esophagus from contents of the stomach and allowing for the timely release of waste from the body.

A properly functioning sphincter tightens to create a barrier within a passage of the digestive tract and relaxes to allow this passage to open. Incompetent or defective sphincters no longer provide the barrier needed for the body to properly manage food and waste. This defect can be the cause of serious health issues.

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation is designed to address the underlying mechanical defect of an incompetent sphincter and restore its physiologic function.

How Does Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Work ?

Devices utilizing Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation consist of a series of titanium beads, each containing a magnetic core and each linked to the next by an independent titanium wire.

When placed around a sphincter, magnetic attraction holds the beads of the augmentation device closely together, preventing the sphincter from opening and restoring the intended physiologic barrier.
 
 
 

Magnetic attraction holds beads close together, closing the sphincter and restoring the body's natural barrier.

Elevated outward pressure separates the beads and opens the sphincter so material can pass.

After material has passed, magnetic attraction pulls the beads back together, closing the sphincter and restoring the natural barrier.

 

As material moves toward the sphincter, outward pressure is elevated, pushing the beads apart and allowing the sphincter to open until the material has passed.

Once this material has passed the area of the device, outward pressure is reduced and magnetic attraction brings the beads back together to close the sphincter and restore the barrier.

Where Can Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Be Used ?

The initial use of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation technology will be for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), however, active research is ongoing to asses its use in the treatment of other disorders.

Learn more about Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation and its use in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
 
 
Caution – Investigational Device. Limited by Federal (US) Law to Investigational Use.
Torax™ Medical and LINX™ Reflux Management System are trademarks of Torax™ Medical, Inc.
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