Gastric Stimulation Device Helps Battle Obesity

An implantable stimulation system that tracks food consumption events and physical activity offers an alternative to gastric surgery for the treatment of obesity.

The abiliti system detects when a person eats or drinks via implanted sensors, and sends in return low-level electrical impulses to the stomach, customized to the needs of each individual patient. This stimulation is intended to help the person feel sated before the stomach is actually full, causing them to eat less. The system also automatically records when a patient eats, drinks, and exercises; using a simple wireless connection, the patients and physicians can then view consumption and exercise data, helping them understand patient behavior and develop effective strategies for weight loss.

As the anatomy of the stomach is not changed, the abiliti system shows virtually none of the nausea and other side effects seen with gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding. Patients are not restricted in the types of food that they consume, and are encouraged to adopt a healthy diet and exercise program. The system also connects patients to a valuable social support network, support which research has demonstrated increases the effectiveness of weight loss programs. The abiliti system is a product of IntraPace (Mountain View, CA, USA), and has received the European Community (CE) Marking of approval.

"The incidence of obesity among the world's population continues to grow each year, creating a huge demand for effective solutions. The abiliti system provides a patient-friendly solution that we believe many people considering weight loss surgery will find attractive,” said Chuck Brynelsen, president and CEO of IntraPace.

"While gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass are very effective treatments for obesity, they alter the digestive tract and are often associated with significant side effects. These side effects make many potential patients reluctant to choose these procedures,” said Professor Thomas Horbach, MD, chief of surgery at Stadtkrankenhaus Schwabach (Germany). "Patients receiving the abiliti system achieved substantial weight loss with almost none of the side effects seen with other bariatric interventions. This therapy addresses the biggest limitation of the established bariatric procedures.”

Related Links:
IntraPace
Stadtkrankenhaus Schwabach