 |
The FDA says the device should be used by obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 55, and aged 22 and older who have not been able to lose weight by other non-surgical ways. The agency says the device should not be used by people with eating disorders or for short durations by those who are moderately overweight.
Less than 1 percent of the 25 million Americans with BMIs over 35, undergo bariatric surgery each year, said Dr. Christopher Thompson, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the director of therapeutic endoscopy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
“There is clearly a need for a non-surgical weight loss procedure that is effective, safe, and reversible,” Thompson said, adding that the AspireAssist should be “a lower cost solution” to the healthcare system.
How it Works
First, surgeons make a small incision in the abdomen and insert a tube in the stomach with an endoscope. Afterwards, a disk-shaped port valve outside the body, flush against the skin of the abdomen, is connected to the tube and remains there.
About 20 or 30 minutes after eating a meal, the patient connects the device’s external connector and tubing to the port valve, opens the valve and drains the stomach contents. When the valve is opened the food travels through the tube into the toilet. A water pouch on the device loosens food particles in the stomach. About 30 percent of the calories consumed is drained out by the device.
“The AspireAssist approach helps provide effective control of calorie absorption, which is a key principle of weight management therapy,” said Dr. William Maisel, deputy director for science and chief scientist at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
“Patients need to be regularly monitored by their healthcare provider and should follow a lifestyle program to help them develop healthier eating habits and reduce their calorie intake,” he added.
This post originally appeared on Epoch Times
No comments:
Post a Comment