The magnetic sphincter augmentation device (MSAD) is a novel method for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A magnetic titanium ring is placed above the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby preventing reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of MSAD compared to fundoplication, the standard surgical treatment.

The current evidence is not sufficient to prove that the MSAD is as effective as or less secure than the comparator fundoplication. The inclusion in the Austrian BMG catalogue is currently not recommended.