FDA BRIEF: Week of August 15

Medical Devices that Treat Obesity

Currently,  4 types of devices FDA approved for patients age 18 and older

Gastric Bands

• Surgically implanted around the stomach
• Limit amount of food that can be eaten

Electrical Stimulation System

• Surgically implanted into abdomen to block brain-stomach nerve activity
• Specific reasons for weight loss

Gastric Balloons

• Temporary devices that fill stomach space

Gastric Emptying System

• Tube placed in stomach via endoscope
• Port lies against skin of the abdomen to drain portion of stomach contents

Risks vary for each device but can include nausea or vomiting, bleeding, or infection.

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