The U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) approved a new weight-loss device called a *vBloc® Neurometabolic Therapy, vagal blocking therapy. The vagal blocking device, developed by EnteroMedicals, generates an electrical pulse in the vagus nerve, which is believed to block communication between both the brain and the stomach, the company reports. This pacemaker-like device is implanted beneath the skin during a minimally invasive procedure that takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The electrodes are placed on the vagus nerve (anterior and posterior of the intra-abdominal vagal trunk) right above the stomach.
About vBloc Vagal Blocking
The vBloc device controls sensations of hunger and helps tell the brain whether the stomach is full or empty. Patients are empowered to eat less, make healthier choices and lose weight without the lifestyle implications of traditional weight loss surgeries. There is also no alteration to the natural anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. The company claims that patients lose an average of 20% of their excess weight.
This new weight loss option is:
- Less invasive
- Less complex
- Reversible
- Patients have more control over their hunger
- Patients have control over how fast they lose weight
- Patients are able to go back to work usually within a week
- It is an outpatient procedure
Weight Loss Results
According to psychologist *Jamie Bodenlos at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a lot of interest have been shown in the vagus nerve as the avenue to promote weight loss. This is because the nerve is close to the stomach and the control of this nerve has resulted in weight loss as well as decreased amount of eating.
However, working with this vagus nerve is nothing new. The FDA has approved the use of vagus nerve stimulation to treat epilepsy as well as chronic or recurrent depression that doesn’t respond to other types of treatments. The procedure also is used with gastroparesis patients whose stomachs don’t empty fully.
Is vBloc Right for Me?
It’s important to note that this therapy is not the first solution for these disorders as it won’t be for obesity either. The device is only approved for patients 18 years of age and old who have tried a weight loss program and have failed. These patients must also have a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 45 and have a comorbidity related to their obesity such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood press, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Ultimately the system uses three implanted devices. The first is a pulse generator that sends electrical impulses, which are placed in the upper chest as well as two lead wires that are placed on the vagus nerve itself in the abdominal cavity. The signals are modified by a control.
Clinical Trial for Weight Loss
The clinical trial was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in September 2014. In their study of 233 patients in both Australia and the United States, after 12 months, the group using an active device lost about 24% of their excess weight or 9% of their total body weight. Those with placebo devices lost about 16% of excess weight or 6% of their body weight. Medical professionals feel that the placebo patients lost so much because they were just as dedicated to the reduced-calorie diet and increased activity levels as those with an active device. Overall, the VBlOC system shows promising results for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The FDA itself hasn’t approved an obesity device since September 2007 when the Realize Gastric Band was recommended for surgery. They have ordered EnteroMedics to follow at least 100 patients over the next five years to collect safety and effectiveness information as well as side effects with the device itself. The company also says they are working on getting insurance coverage for the instrument, which can cost anywhere from $10,000-$30,000.
*Reference:
A Weight-Loss Device Aims To Curb Hunger By Zapping A Nerve
Published January 15th, 2016 by Alison Bruzek
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I had the sleeve done 8 years ago but my lowest weight was 170 I’ve gained 30 lbs i am 5’4 and weigh 200 lbs my blood pressure is back and I really need help