The device named AspireAssist, developed by Aspire Bariatric, consists of a tube inserted into the patient’s stomach through a small incision in the abdomen. The tube connects to a port valve which lies just outside the skin of the abdomen.
It remains in place throughout the duration of treatment, according to the Wall Street Journal. As such, it is not recommended for a short treatment period among moderately obese patients.
Half-an-hour after eating, the patient will attach an external tubing device to the port that opens the valve then drains about 30 percent of the stomach contents for 5 …show more content…
After a year, the device group lost an average of 12.1 percent of their total body weight compared to 3.6 percent from the lifestyle group. However, both groups showed improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Following the application of the device, the FDA recommends frequent monitoring in case the tube needs shortening as the patient loses weight. The agency also recommends medical visits for lifestyle therapy counseling.
To ensure the device is properly used, the developers added a safety feature that tracks the number of times the drain tube is connected to the port. It stops after 115 cycles (5 to 6 weeks of therapy) after which the patient will need to return to a medical institution to get a replacement part.
The therapy does not come without side effects. The FDA notes risks associated with abdominal opening of the port valve that includes abdominal pain, bloating, inflammation of the skin around the site, leakage, bleeding, and