Camano Island Woman Sues Over Recalled Reflux Device

Lawsuit claims defective LINX implant caused severe complications, requiring additional surgery.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Camano Island, Washington woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the manufacturers of the LINX Reflux Management System, a device implanted to treat her gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lawsuit alleges the device was defectively manufactured, leading to a "severe recurrence" of her GERD symptoms and requiring an additional invasive surgery to remove the faulty implant.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential risks and complications associated with medical devices, even those that have received regulatory approval. The lawsuit raises questions about the oversight and safety standards for implantable devices, as well as the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products meet quality control standards.

The details

Janett Wingett had the LINX device, a small titanium bead ring implanted to prevent acid reflux, placed in her body in August 2018. However, the lawsuit claims the device was subject to a May 2018 recall by manufacturer Torax Medical due to an "out of specification condition" that could cause the ring to come apart. Wingett alleges the defective device implanted in her failed, leading to a severe recurrence of her GERD symptoms and requiring an additional surgery to remove the faulty implant on December 17, 2025.

  • Wingett had the LINX device implanted on August 29, 2018.
  • Torax Medical initiated a recall on the LINX device on May 31, 2018.
  • Wingett had the defective device removed on December 17, 2025.

The players

Janett Wingett

A Camano Island, Washington resident who filed a federal lawsuit against the manufacturers of the LINX Reflux Management System device implanted in her body.

Torax Medical, Inc.

The manufacturer of the LINX Reflux Management System device that initiated a recall in May 2018 due to a defect.

Ethicon, Inc.

A co-defendant named in the lawsuit along with Torax Medical as a manufacturer of the defective LINX device.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential risks and complications associated with medical devices, even those that have received regulatory approval, and raises questions about the oversight and safety standards for implantable devices, as well as the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products meet quality control standards.