Anti-obesity remedy: electronically tested :)
Americans have developed a "condom" for the stomachThe American company Gl Dynamics has developed a simple way to treat obesity, which can become a cheaper and safer alternative to the currently existing surgical methods of weight loss, writes New Scientist (Gastric "condoms" could help obese avoid surgery).
The EndoBarrier device created by Gl Dynamics is a hollow tube made of an elastic polymer, which is attached to a base of nitinol (an alloy of titanium and nickel). The base of the EndoBarrier is fixed in the stomach, and its polymer "sleeve" about 60 centimeters long unfolds in the small intestine, preventing the absorption of nutrients.
Experiments on laboratory animals, as well as preliminary clinical trials, in which more than 150 people have participated to date, have shown that the installation of the EndoBarrier leads to the same effect as surgical reduction of the stomach by banding (applying a limiting ring to the upper part of the stomach).
Obese subjects who tested the device experienced rapid weight loss while maintaining their usual food intake. In this case, the EndoBarrier is installed and removed through the mouth, using a simple and safe endoscopic procedure for the patient.
According to the developers, the cost of the commercial version of the device in the United States will be about 7.5 thousand dollars. For comparison, gastric banding surgery costs at least 15 thousand dollars, the formation of gastrointestinal anastomosis - at least 20 thousand. However, in order to obtain permission for the medical use of EndoBarrier, Gl Dynamics will have to prove its effectiveness and safety during larger and longer clinical trials.