November 24, 2025
Reflux & Heartburn
Acid Reflux & Heartburn Care
The Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center is a comprehensive, patient-centered initiative focused on providing a solution of testing and therapies for any and all patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and esophageal symptoms. Center specialists are available for patient appointments at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
With the latest training and equipment, specialists are also able to diagnose esophageal cancer which can develop from recurrent GERD and treat the cancer in early stages.
The Center provides smooth access to comprehensive treatment of reflux and heartburn as a service to patients and referring physicians. Various physician specialists treat advanced symptoms on the same team with the goal of clinical excellence delivered in a manner that produces outstanding patient satisfaction.
All options of testing and treatment are available to patients. Patient education and participation in treatment decisions is paramount and the process is streamlined by eliminating long waits between appointments. Patients have a designated expert contact readily available and all physicians involved in the treatment communicate together and supply unified care.
Our fellowship-trained reflux specialists provide personalized care for reflux and heartburn with quick appointments and no referral needed.
To schedule an appointment or refer a patient, contact Dawn Harcey, GI Nurse Coordinator, at 218-429-3930.
Why Schedule an appointment
Living with Reflux & Heartburn? You don’t have to.
If you experience heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or throat symptoms like chronic cough or hoarseness, it can take a toll on your daily life. It can disrupt your eating habits, affect your sleep, reduce productivity, and impact your overall quality of life.
You’re not alone.
Reflux & heartburn affects millions of Americans—up to 40% of the population. While some find relief through lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, many require long-term prescriptions. Even then, symptoms often persist.
If you’re still struggling, we’re here to help.
Comprehensive care, focused on you
Our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating the disease. We provide thorough evaluations and offer a full range of treatment options tailored to your needs—so you can finally find lasting relief.
From your first call or click, you’ll have access to coordinated, high-quality care. Our dedicated nurse coordinator will guide you every step of the way—handling scheduling, answering questions, and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. You’ll have one trusted point of contact for support, education, and convenience.
No more runaround. No more confusion.
Don’t wait to get help
Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including permanent damage to the esophagus and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Advanced diagnostics and leading-edge treatment
We use the latest technology to evaluate esophageal function, measure acid levels, and detect precancerous changes. Whether you need medication or minimally invasive surgery, we deliver advanced, personalized care designed for long-term relief.
Take the first step today.
Contact us to begin your path to feeling better.
Evaluation
The EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) allows the reflux specialist to look at the tissue of the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine by advancing an illuminated thin flexible tube with a camera through the mouth. The physician can then evaluate and photograph the structure and appearance of the upper gastrointestinal system.
Tissue biopsy refers to the collection tiny tissue samples from the esophagus that are gathered with upper endoscopy then sent to a lab specialist to examine under a microscope. This is an additional test to look for the presence of precancerous cells.
WATS 3D biopsy
Samples of tissue collected endoscopically with a brush technique to help rule out unhealthy cells.
Bravo® pH Monitoring
A tiny capsule—about the size of a gel cap—is gently attached to the lining of your esophagus during an endoscopy procedure. The capsule measures acid levels and sends the data wirelessly to a small receiver you wear.
Over the next 48 hours, this advanced test tracks acid exposure in your esophagus while you go about your normal daily activities. This helps your care team accurately diagnose GERD and determine the most effective treatment for you.
Impedance pH Testing can be utilized for patients where ambulatory pH testing may be contraindicated. This is typically a 24 hour study that provides similar information regarding the acid patterns that occur during a typical patient day.
Watch the informational video to learn more about the Bravo take home acid reflux test HERE.
Manometry measures the effectiveness of the muscle movement in the esophagus that occurs with swallowing. Repetitive exposure to acid can cause difficulty in swallowing resulting in a feeling of blockage or lump in the throat.
Manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring are evaluated in tandem to create an accurate picture of reflux patterns and damage.A small catheter is swallowed into the esophagus, once in place this study measure’s esophageal function and esophageal pressures. It can also tell how well the esophagus is moving the food and liquid along into the stomach. It can tell how the lower esophageal sphincter is functioning.
Surgical Solutions
The LINX System is a small flexible bracelet of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. It is implanted with a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure around the weak lower esophageal sphincter. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps the LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach from going into the esophagus. Swallowing food temporarily opens the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach.
The Nissen works by restoring the function of the damaged valve that is the actual cause of acid reflux. The fundus is wrapped all the way around the bottom of your esophagus to tighten the sphincter. This is done by wrapping part of the stomach very loosely around the lower esophagus at the location of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The fundus is wrapped about two-thirds of the way around the back side, or posterior, of the bottom of the esophagus. This creates a sort of valve that lets the patient more easily release gas through burps or vomit when necessary.
Concomitant Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (cTIF) is a minimally invasive procedure combining laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with endoscopic TIF to treat GERD. Designed for patients with hernias >2 cm, it repairs the diaphragm and reconstructs the lower esophageal sphincter through the mouth, offering a, low-side-effect, incisionless alternative to traditional surgery.
Pyloroplasty can be performed with the goal of widening the pylorus to improve gastric emptying. Pyloroplasty can be accomplished through open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques.
A Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure that treats achalasia, a condition that makes it hard to swallow and digest food.
Endoscopic Solutions
The TIF procedure is performed from inside the patient’s stomach without incisions. This procedure delivers patient outcomes similar to those provided by conventional ARS procedures, but is less invasive, has fewer adverse effects, and does not limit future treatment options. Following the principles of ARS, the TIF procedure repairs the anti-reflux barrier by reducing a hiatal hernia (≤ 2 cm), and creating a valve 2 to 4 cm in length and greater than 270-degree circumferential wrap.
Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a minimally invasive procedure to relieve symptoms of gastroparesis. In patients with this condition, the valve between the stomach and small intestine (pyloric sphincter) is unusually tight, preventing the stomach contents from emptying fully into the intestine.
Non surgical Solutions
The Center offers the most common, non-surgical treatment options for GERD.
The most simple and safest option is modification of a patient’s lifestyle. This is a great option for heartburn treatment. Many of our Center’s patients have more advanced disease where these modifications may not help. However, losing weight, eating small meals, not eating before bedtime, elevation the head of the bed and other changes can make a real difference in the severity of acid reflux symptoms. Our staff understands and works with patients on utilizing these changes.
However, most of our patients need something more. Usually, medications are initiated. Medications work by decreasing acid in the stomach thereby eliminating or improving reflux symptoms. Many of these medications are available over the counter. Unfortunately, these are often not taken correctly. The package insert and instructions regarding the consumption of these drugs for heartburn treatment are usually disregarded. There are specific instructions accompanying some of the most powerful medications not to take them for more than 14 days without seeing a physician. However, since symptoms are improved or resolved, patients continue to purchase and consume them. Many patients have symptoms that progress requiring escalation to prescription strength medicines.
We offer a full range of effective, non-surgical treatments for GERD—tailored to each patient’s needs.
Lifestyle Changes: The First Step
For many people, simple lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce symptoms. These may include:
- Losing weight
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding food before bedtime
- Elevating the head of the bed
These changes are safe and can make a meaningful difference, especially for mild symptoms. Our team works closely with patients to help successfully implement these strategies. However, for those with more advanced GERD, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough.
Medications: Helpful, But Not Always Enough
Many patients require medication to control symptoms. These treatments reduce stomach acid and can provide relief from heartburn and discomfort. Options include both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
However, medications are often:
- Not taken as directed
- Used longer than recommended without medical supervision
- Started without confirming a true GERD diagnosis
While symptoms may improve, these medications do not stop reflux itself—meaning underlying damage to the esophagus can still occur.
Understanding PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
The most commonly used medications for GERD are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), such as Nexium®, Prilosec®, Prevacid®, omeprazole, and Dexilant®.
While PPIs can be effective, they are not without risks. Potential side effects include:
- Headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (short-term)
- Increased risk of fractures, low magnesium levels, pneumonia, and certain infections (long-term use)
Because of these risks, proper medical guidance is essential.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Not all reflux symptoms are caused by GERD. In fact, studies suggest up to 30% of patients taking PPIs may not actually have acid reflux.
At The Minnesota Heartburn & Reflux Treatment Center, we:
- Confirm your diagnosis with comprehensive testing
- Ensure medications are truly necessary
- Optimize treatment for safety and effectiveness
When Medication Isn’t Enough
Up to 40% of patients do not achieve adequate relief with medication alone. Too often, these individuals continue to suffer without being offered additional evaluation or alternative treatments.
We take a different approach.
In addition to non-surgical therapies, we offer advanced diagnostic testing and minimally invasive treatment options—giving patients access to long-term solutions when medications fall short.
Fellowship Trained Surgeons
Meet our dedicated team of experts
From evaluation and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, our team of experts work with you to provide specialized care for your unique reflux and heartburn condition getting you back to enjoying what you love.
Andrew Loveitt, DO
Shawn Roberts, MD, FACS
Meet the Reflux and Heartburn Team
Reflux & Heartburn Videos
4 Videos
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43:14
Take a video tour of our state-of-the-art surgery expansion.
Acid Reflux & Heartburn Blog
Real patients. Real stories.
The care at Riverwood was outstanding
A chronic cough was Dan Waxlax’s only symptom of GERD. “I didn’t have any heartburn or acid reflux in my throat, but I was coughing five to six times every half hour,” Dan explained. “My daughter-in-law, who is a doctor, was the one who identified my cough as a GERD symptom that should be checked out.” On his daughter-in-law’s recommendation, Dan sought an evaluation at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The diagnostic test results revealed that Dan has Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. Dr. Andrew Loveitt, MRHC reflux specialist and general surgeon, performed a Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), which involves reconstructing the anti-reflux valve between the esophagus and the stomach to restore the body’s natural protection against refluxing stomach contents. There are no scars for the patient and frequently a quicker recovery than other more invasive procedures. Dan also had a robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair using the da Vinci System. The da Vinci is powered by robotic technology that allows the surgeon’s hand movements to be translated into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. “I chose to get my GERD treated as a preventative step to avoid getting cancer,” Dan said. “There was no pain or discomfort with the TIF procedure I had done at Riverwood. Dr. Loveitt did a wonderful job!” The TIF procedure is typically done as an outpatient procedure but given Dan’s three-hour drive from his home on Minnesota’s North Shore, Dan was hospitalized for overnight monitoring. “I had excellent nursing care during my hospital stay,” Dan added. “Everyone was very friendly, including the cleaning staff. The care at Riverwood was outstanding, and I’ve had medical care at the Mayo Clinic.”
My reflux specialist put me at ease right away
Tim Maalis, age 67, struggled with heartburn and gastroesophageal disease (GERD) for more than 40 years. “I tried all kinds of medications,” Tim explained. “It got so that I was taking four pills twice a day to get relief. I couldn’t eat half the foods I wanted to.” Tim’s brother-in-law from the Twin Cities sought GERD care from the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center (MRHC) at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin and highly recommended it based on his successful outcome. After comprehensive evaluation and testing, the MRHC reflux specialist diagnosed GERD, as well as a hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus, and advised that the LINX procedure was the best course of treatment for Tim. The LINX System is a small flexible bracelet of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. It is implanted with a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure around the weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The magnetic attraction between the beads helps the LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. Swallowing food temporarily opens the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach. “I had an amazing outcome,” Tim said. “After my procedure two years ago, I don’t have any heartburn! Now I can eat and drink anything I want.” Tim added: “The personal caring by the Riverwood staff is remarkable. My reflux specialist put me at ease right away; he explained what was going to happen every step of the way before, during and after my procedure. Dawn Harcey, the nurse coordinator, explained things so well and was very helpful in setting up my appointments.”
Enjoying my wife's southern cooking again
Acid reflux symptoms were not a problem for Barry Anderson until a few years ago. Barry explains: “When I would bend over, I would get a burning feeling in my throat that would last two to three days. I also felt nauseous. I got referred to a reflux specialist by my primary care provider, Nurse Practitioner Lisa Gerhart, who really listens to her patients and cares about getting the best care for you.” Barry’s care with the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center (MRHC) at Riverwood in Aitkin included coordination and scheduling of several diagnostic tests with Dawn Harcey, clinical nurse coordinator; pre-op and post-op care from Thomas (TJ) Hirsch, general surgery physician assistant; and surgery with Dr. Andrew Loveitt, reflux specialist and general surgeon. Dr. Loveitt performed a robotic-assisted paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair with Toupet Fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. For this minimally invasive procedure, patients can generally go home within 24 hours. Barry shares comments on his successful treatment outcome: “TJ was wonderful; he explained everything so well and helped me choose the type of surgical procedure to fix my acid reflux. Everyone on the clinic staff was amazing; they are very good at what they do. Dr. Loveitt spent a good deal of time with me before and after my surgical procedure, explaining everything in great detail. I appreciated his expertise and dedication to guiding patients to the best outcomes. I’m not taking any acid reflux medications now, and I’m so happy with how my treatment turned out. Best of all, I can enjoy my wife’s Southern cooking with a lot of spices again. I’m so impressed with Riverwood’s hospital; it’s so clean and well kept with the newest equipment. It’s amazing all they can do for patients in our small, rural community.”
I've never felt this good in my entire life
“I’ve had acid reflux since I was age 5. It was horrible. I sought treatment multiple times with different doctors, including specialists for decades. They put me on medications and performed multiple endoscopies over the years, but still never corrected the problem. They would increase my medication and advise me to take anti-acid tablets when my reflux got really bad. Then, I was put on another prescription to deal with the side effects of the Zegerid. The acid reflux was definitely controlling my life! I had acid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It never quit. I would have episodes where it would wake me up out of a sound sleep with horrible burning in my throat. We recently moved up here from the Twin Cities and I was overdue for my endoscopy. So, I made an appointment with the reflux specialists at Riverwood. Then along came Dr. Shawn Roberts and his team; he is a miracle worker! He discovered I had no closure of my lower esophagus to prevent the backflow of acid. He performed a laparoscopic fundoplication. Since my procedure, I have not had ANY acid and I’m off all my acid reflux medications. I have never felt this good in my entire life! I am forever grateful to Dr. Shawn Roberts and his team. They are the BEST!”