VOA标准英语2013--Magnetic Ring Used to Stop Acid Reflux

 

Magnetic Ring Used to Stop Acid Reflux

Heartburn is usually linked to gastric¹ acid that reaches the esophagus when a weak muscle does not close as it should after swallowing. When stomach juices back up into the esophagus, the acid can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

If the problem occurs more than twice a week, it is considered a disease, called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) that can lead to more serious health problems.

People suffering from acid reflux rely on anti-acid tablets and drugs such as Prilosec and Nexium. 

Californian Tricia Carr says her mother developed complications from acid reflux that killed her. So Carr decided² to use a new device that reinforces the weak muscle and keeps it closed after swallowing. 

"It's an easy quick fix and it fixed³ me a hundred percent," she stated.

The so-called Linx device is a ring made of titanium beads⁴ with magnets inside that keep the valve closed after the food passes through it. Carr learned about it from Doctor John Lipham at the Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport, California, where she is a nurse. 

"The force of the traction⁵ of these magnetic beads coming together helps keep the weak lower esophageal sphincter or valve closed at the end of the esophagus," he stated.

The device was approved by the Federal Drug Administration last year. Doctor Lipham says it costs $5,000, and the surgery to place it around the weak valve can cost between $12,000 and $20,000, depending on the hospital charges.

Tricia Carr received her device in October and says now she can eat anything she wants without fear of complications. 

"It slows you down eating," she said. "Nothing hurts and you don't feel the band."

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study of the device in 100 patients. The most frequent side effect has been difficulty swallowing right after the surgery. Doctors say the results so far have been impressive, but it will be some time before they know if the device can hold up for many years. 

1 gastric   

adj.胃的

参考例句：

• Miners are a high risk group for certain types of gastric cancer.矿工是极易患某几种胃癌的高风险人群。
• That was how I got my gastric trouble.我的胃病就是这么得的。

2 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

3 fixed   

adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的

参考例句：

• Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗？
• Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定，我们就不应该随意改变。

4 beads   

n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链

参考例句：

• a necklace of wooden beads 一条木珠项链
• Beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead. 他的前额上挂着汗珠。

5 traction   

n.牵引；附着摩擦力

参考例句：

• I'll show you how the traction is applied.我会让你看如何做这种牵引。
• She's injured her back and is in traction for a month.她背部受伤，正在作一个月的牵引治疗。