Intragastric Balloon Research Articles

Scientifically Invalid: Evaluating the Safety of the Intragastric Balloon: Spanish Multicenter Experience in 20,680 Cases and with 12 Different Balloon Models : Obes Surg. Published online July 18, 2024. doi:10.1007/s11695-024-07342-x.

Scientifically Invalid: Evaluating the Safety of the Intragastric Balloon: Spanish Multicenter Experience in 20,680 Cases and with 12 Different Balloon Models : Obes Surg. Published online July 18, 2024. doi:10.1007/s11695-024-07342-x.

Successful Weight Loss in Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity Using a Swallowable Intragastric Balloon and Nutritional Oversight

PurposeMedical devices benefit patients living with overweight or obesity, but studies in the adolescent population are lacking. The goal of this study was to collect information on the performance and safety of a swallowable intragastric balloon program (SGBP) in adolescent patients.Materials and MethodsData were collected retrospectively on patients aged 15 to 17 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 who received the swallowable intragastric balloon (SGB) and associated lifestyle and nutritional change program. Patients had not responded to previous dietary and behavioral modification weight loss treatments and elected to undergo SGBP. The SGB was swallowed and filled with 550 mL of distilled water in an outpatient setting, and a multidisciplinary team delivered a lifestyle/nutritional change program. Mean % total body weight loss (%TBWL) was calculated for each patient compared with baseline.ResultsA total of 91 patients, 69 (75.8%) female and 22 (24.2%) male, underwent SGBP and completed follow-up through SGB passage at 4 months. Baseline mean ± SD age, weight, and BMI were 16.4 ± 0.77, 99.70 ± 21.33 kg, and 35.60 ± 5.59 kg/m2, respectively. After 4 months, mean weight and BMI were 86.37 ± 18.83 kg and 30.86 ± 5.16 kg/m2 respectively; %TBWL was 13.05 ± 7.64 (1-sided t-test, p < 0.0001). Most (80, 87.9%) reported no adverse events; 11/91 (12.1%) experienced an adverse event. Of these, 9/91 (9.9%) experienced nausea and/or vomiting; 1/91 (1.1%) reported abdominal pain only; 1/91 (1.1%) reported flatulence only. There were no serious adverse events or premature device removals.ConclusionThe SGBP provides safe and effective short-term weight loss in adolescents living with overweight and obesity.Graphical

Effectiveness and Safety of the Allurion Swallowable Intragastric Balloon for Short-term Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Obesity poses a severe health problem worldwide, with an estimated impact on 17.5% of the adult population by 2035. Among the endoscopic applications for treating this comorbidity, intragastric balloons are the most widely used. The new liquid-filled swallowable balloon meets the requirements of major guidelines and allows significant weight loss with few adverse events. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of this new device for weight loss. We conducted a search from 2016 to 2024 to assess the efficacy of the swallowable intragastric balloon for weight loss, including improvements in metabolic profiles and anthropometric measurements. Additionally, we evaluated potential adverse events related to the device to demonstrate its safety. Eleven observational studies totalling 2107 patients were included, showing a reduction of 4.75 in BMI (95% CI: -5.02; -4.47), a mean total weight loss of 12.47% (95% CI: -13.77; -11.17), a mean excess weight loss of 48.04% (95% CI: -50.61; -45.48), and a rate of serious adverse events of 0.90%. An improvement in the metabolic profile was observed for three parameters: HDL, triglycerides, and glycaemia. The swallowable liquid-filled intragastric balloon is safe and effective for managing weight loss within a four-month follow-up period.

Small Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Migrated Intragastric Balloon Retrieved Endoscopically from the Jejunum.

The intragastric balloon is a medical device inserted into the stomach endoscopically and filled with either air or more commonly, saline. Widely utilised since the 1980s, numerous studies have affirmed its safety and effectiveness as a temporary treatment for weight loss. Despite this, there have been reports of rare but severe complications associated with its usage. We report the case of a 33-year-old female presented with two-day history of epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting. This occurred after having a gastric balloon placed endoscopically two months earlier. A contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan revealed a partially deflated and migrated intragastric balloon in the proximal jejunum, causing intestinal obstruction without any signs of bowel perforation. The diagnosis was established as intestinal obstruction due to the migrated intragastric balloon. An emergency endoscopic procedure was undertaken, successfully removing the balloon thus highlighting a unique attempt to endoscopically retrieve a migrated intragastric balloon from the jejunum. The efficacy of an intragastric balloon in reducing weight in a short time is gaining more popularity. The more common it becomes the more we must be vigilant about its complications. We advise regular follow-up of patients and emphasise patient education of possible signs and symptoms of intragastric balloon migration, which will avoid serious complications. Endoscopic removal from the jejunum: Learn the procedure for endoscopic removal of a migrated gastric balloon from the jejunum, recognising it is possible without signs of perforation or leakage. Additionally, understand the importance of performing this procedure with surgical backup in a theatre to address any potential complications, such as perforation, during or after the procedure.The role of CT scans: Understand the crucial role of CT scans in diagnosing migrated gastric balloons or perforations related to gastric balloon procedures.Recognising and responding to balloon deflation: Identify signs of a deflated gastric balloon, such as methylene blue in the urine, and understand associated symptoms such as reduction in stomach fullness.

Weighing your options-intragastric balloon versus semaglutide.

Over half of Americans and up to 78% of US Veteran population meet criteria for obesity. Perioperatively placed intragastric balloon (IGB) can accelerate weight loss goals for safe surgical candidacy, however weight regain is common after removal. Glucagon-like peptide-1-receptor agonists (GLP1RA) may provide a more sustainable weight loss solution after surgery. We hypothesize that weight regain will be less at 1year after initiation of GLP1RA than IGB placement in Veterans. Retrospective review of prospective databases of perioperatively placed intragastric balloon cohort from 1/2019-1/2023 compared to patients who received initiatory GLP1RA from 6/2021-8/2022 at a VA Medical Center(VAMC). All patients were enrolled in the VAMC MOVE! multidisciplinary weight management program for a minimum of 12weeks. Outcomes measured were patients' weights at 0, 3, 6, and 12months and weight change for these intervals. Exclusion criteria included history of bariatric surgery and incomplete weight loss data. Two-hundred-twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria; 110 (49%) patients excluded. Mean age was 54 ± 11years, the majority (78, 69%) were male, and the mean initial BMI was 37 ± 5.9kg/m2. Seventeen (15%) patients underwent IGB placement and 96 (85%) patients received semaglutide. Weight (kg) change was measured at intervals: 0-3months:-11.8(-17,-9.5) IGB vs. -5.1(-7.4,-2.3) semaglutide, p < 0.0001; 0-6months:-12.7(-18.4,-9.9) vs. -9.4(-12.6,-6.1), p = 0.03; 3-6months:-0.5(-2.3,2.3) vs. -4.3(-6.8,-1.6), p < 0.0001; 6-12months:3(0,7.3) vs. -1.9(-4.7,1), p = 0.0006. Weight loss occurs more rapidly in the first 6months after intragastric balloon placement compared to semaglutide (-12.7 vs. -9.4kg, p = 0.03). Despite ongoing attendance in a comprehensive weight loss program, weight regain is common after IGB removal by an average of 3kg (23.6%) at 1year. In contrast, patients on GLP1RA (semaglutide) continue to lose weight during this period. Further studies are needed to determine if optimal long-term outcomes may result from combination therapy with intragastric balloon and semaglutide.

Sedation for GI Endoscopy in the Morbidly Obese: Challenges and Possible Solutions.

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and morbid obesity, this subgroup's contribution to patients presenting for elective procedures requiring sedation is significant. Gastrointestinal (GI) procedures clearly form the largest group of such procedures. These procedures may be intended to treat obesity such as the insertion of an intragastric balloon or one or more unrelated procedures such as a screening colonoscopy and (or) diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy. Regardless of the procedure, these patients pose significant challenges in terms of choice of sedatives, dosing, airway management, ventilation, and oxygenation. An understanding of dissimilarity in the handling of different groups of medications used by an anesthesia provider and alterations in airway anatomy is critical for providing safe sedation. Administration of sedative medications and conduct of anesthesia requires dose modifications and airway adjuncts. In this review, we discuss the above issues in detail, with a particular focus on GI endoscopy.

Impact of a Health Coach-Led, Text-Based Digital Behavior Change Intervention on Weight Loss and Psychological Well-Being in Patients Receiving a Procedureless Intragastric Balloon Program: Prospective Single-Arm Study.

Digital health interventions show promise for weight management. However, few text-based behavior change interventions have been designed to support patients receiving intragastric balloons, and none have simultaneously evaluated weight loss, psychological well-being, and behavior change despite the crucial interplay of these factors in weight management. This study aims to assess whether a health coach-led, asynchronous, text-based digital behavior change coaching intervention (DBCCI) delivered to participants receiving an intragastric balloon and its aftercare program was feasible and acceptable to participants and supported improved outcomes, including weight loss, psychological well-being, and lifestyle behavior change conducive to weight loss maintenance. This 12-month, single-arm prospective study enrolled adults aged 21 to 65 years with BMI ≥27kg/m2 receiving a procedureless intragastric balloon (PIGB) at 5 bariatric clinics in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Participants received the DBCCI and the clinic-led PIGB aftercare program (remotely delivered) for 6 months after PIGB placement and then no intervention for an additional 6 months. The DBCCI was an evidence-based, personalized intervention wherein health coaches supported participants via exchanged asynchronous in-app text-based messages. Over the 12-month study, we assessed percentage of total body weight loss and psychological well-being via self-administered validated questionnaires (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite-Clinical Trials Version, Loss of Control Over Eating Scale-Brief, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire-Short Form, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz). Participant engagement with and acceptability of the intervention were assessed via self-reported surveys. Overall, 107 participants (n=96, 89.7% female; mean baseline BMI 35.4, SD 5.4kg/m2) were included in the analysis. Mean total body weight loss was 13.5% (SEM 2.3%) at the end of the DBCCI and 11.22% (SEM 2.3%) at the 12-month follow-up (P<.001). Improvements were observed for all psychological well-being measures throughout the 12 months except for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (improvement at month1) and Barriers to Being Active Quiz (improvements at months3 and 6). Surveys showed high levels of engagement with and acceptability of the DBCCI. This study provides evidence that the health coach-led, asynchronous, text-based DBCCI was engaging and acceptable to participants with overweight and obesity. The DBCCI, delivered alongside the PIGB and its aftercare program, supported improved weight loss outcomes and psychological well-being versus baseline and was associated with lifestyle behavior changes known to help achieve and maintain long-term weight loss and improved health outcomes. Follow-up findings suggest a potential need for longer-term, more intense coaching to focus on weight loss maintenance and support ongoing self-coaching. This could be achieved by leveraging generative artificial intelligence to provide ongoing automated behavior change coaching support to augment human-led care. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05884606; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05884606.

Weight regain after intragastric balloon for pre-surgical weight loss.

Over one-third of Americans carry the diagnosis of obesity, many also with obesity-related comorbidities. This can place patients at increased risk of operative and postoperative complications. The intragastric balloon has been shown to aid in minor weight loss, however its weight recidivism in patients requiring short interval weight loss has not been well studied. To evaluate weight loss, ability to undergo successful elective surgery after intragastric balloon placement, and weight management after balloon removal. This study is a retrospective review of patients in a single academic institution undergoing intragastric balloon placement from 2019-2023 to aid in weight loss prior to undergoing elective surgery. Clinical outcomes including weight loss, duration of balloon placement, successful elective surgery, weight regain post-balloon and post-procedure complications were assessed. Exclusion criteria included those with balloon in place at time of study. Thirty-three patients completed intragastric balloon therapy from 2019-2023 as a bridge to elective surgery. All patients were required to participate in a 12-month weight management program to be eligible for balloon therapy. Elective surgeries included incisional hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, and knee and hip replacements. The average age at placement was 53 years ± 11 years, majority (91%) were male. The average duration of intragastric balloon therapy was 186 days ± 41 days. The average weight loss was 14.0 kg ± 7.4 kg and with an average percent excess body weight loss of 30.0% (7.9%-73.6%). Over half of the patients (52.0%) achieved the goal of 30-50 lbs (14-22 kg) weight loss. Twenty-one patients (64%) underwent their intended elective surgery, 2 patients (6%) deferred surgery due to symptom relief with weight loss alone. Twenty-one of the patients (64%) have documented weights in 3 months after balloon removal, in these patients the majority (76%) gained weight after balloon removed. In patients with weight regain at 3 months, they averaged 5.8 kg after balloon removal in the first 3 months, this averaged 58.4% weight regain of the initial weight lost. Intragastric balloon placement is an option for short-term weight management, as a bridge to elective surgery in patients with body mass index (BMI) > 35. Patients lost an average of 14 kg with the balloon, allowing two-thirds of patients to undergo elective surgery at a healthy BMI. However, most patients regained an average of 58% of the original weight lost after balloon removal. The intragastric balloon successfully serves as a tool for rapid weight loss, though patients must be educated on the risks including weight regain.

Intragastric Balloon as a First Step Before Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in Patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2: are the Results After Balloon Related to Global Outcomes After Surgery?

IntroductionPatients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m2, classified with obesity class IV/V, require complex treatments. Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a possible treatment before metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) that may reduce peri-operative complications. This study evaluates IGB outcomes and complications before MBS in patients with Obesity IV/V, and subsequent MBS results, regarding weight loss and comorbidity resolution.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients with BMI above 50 kg/m2 submitted to IGB before MBS between 2009 and 2023 in a high-volume center. Variables analyzed included weight loss after IGB and MBS, IGB complications, and comorbidity resolution. Suboptimal clinical responses were defined as %TWL < 5% for IGB, %TWL < 20% for MBS, and %TWL < 25% or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 for IGB + MBS.ResultsSeventy-four patients (mean BMI 58.8 ± 8 kg/m2) were included. After IGB, the mean %TWL was 14.2 ± 8.5%, with a 21.6% complication rate, predominantly nausea and vomiting, and one death. Suboptimal clinical response of IGB affected 13.5% of patients, and 5.4% required early removal. Two years after MBS, the mean %TWL was 38.2 ± 11.6%, mainly due to MBS, yet approximately one-third of %TWL was attributed to IGB. No correlation was found between IGB and MBS outcomes. At 2-year follow-up, 45.1% patients had %TWL ≥ 25 and BMI < 35 kg/m2.ConclusionThe IGB is a treatment option before MBS in patients with Obesity Class IV/V, with acceptable weight loss outcomes but not infrequent complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory, and all treatments must be considered in this difficult subset of patients.Graphical

One-Year Outcomes in a Supervised Program of Swallowable Intragastric Balloon-Analysis of 486 Patients in a High-Volume Bariatric Centre in Malaysia.

The swallowable intragastric balloon (IGB) has recently emerged as a popular alternative for weight loss in Malaysia. It can reduce total body weight loss (TBWL) by 6-15%. We aim to observe positive weight loss up to a year after the swallowable IGB is implanted. A total of 486 consecutive patients with overweight or obesity who underwent swallowable IGB insertion were included in this prospective data collection. Out of 486 patients, 404 patients (83%) had complete data at the end of 4 and 12months. Patients included in the study had a starting mean body mass index of 35.3 ± 7.2kg/m2 which decreased to 31.5 ± 5.7kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 4months and further reduced to 30.3 ± 5.4kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 12months. At 4months, the overall average weight loss was 9.8kg, meanwhile, at 12months, the average weight loss increased to 12.9kg. At 4months, the average TBWL was 10.5%, while at the end of 1year, the combined %TBWL increased to 13.7%. Most weight loss is typically observed within the first 4months following the procedure. However, it is important to note that patients can continue to experience ongoing weight loss for up to 1year. The swallowable IGB is a safe and effective option for patients seeking weight loss solutions. It offers numerous advantages, especially its non-invasive procedureless nature, which makes it more appealing to individuals considering this treatment.

Evaluating the Safety of the Intragastric Balloon: Spanish Multicenter Experience in 20,680 Cases and with 12 Different Balloon Models.

Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a minimally invasive and reversible option for obesity treatment. There is a worldwide growing number of different IGB models. The efficacy and safety profile for each model must be demonstrated. We aim to evaluate IGB safety profile according to the experience of the Spanish Bariatric Endoscopy Group (GETTEMO). A survey of 37 IGBs safety-related questions was sent to all GETTEMO members, to retrospectively collect a multicenter Spanish registry. Incidence, causes, and resolution of both major and minor complications and adverse events (AEs), including legal consequences, differentiated for each balloon model were evaluated. Secondary outcome was weight loss data to confirm efficacy. Twenty-one Spanish hospitals experienced in IGBs responded. The overall data encompassed 20,680 IGBs, including 12 different models. Mean %TBWL of 17.66 ± 2.5% was observed. Early removal rate due to intolerance was 3.62%. Mean major complications rate was 0.70% (> 1% in Spatz2, HB, and Spatz3 models), mainly complicated gastric ulcer. Minor AEs rate was 6.37%, mainly esophagitis. Nine cases (0.04%) required surgery. A single case of mortality (0.0048%) occurred. Seven lawsuits (0.0034%) were received, all with favorable resolution. In the Spanish experience accumulating 20,680 IGBs and including 12 different balloon models, a low incidence rate of major complications and minor AEs are observed (0.70% and 6.37%, respectively), mostly resolved with medical/endoscopic management. IGB shows good tolerance and efficacy profile. These safety data are within the accepted quality standards.

Obesity and the Need for Bariatric Surgery in Nigeria: A Review.

Obesity was mainly regarded as a disease of developed countries, but currently there is a growing rise in the population of patients with obesity in developing countries of Africa. A body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher is regarded as obesity, and this may be associated with comorbidities such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, orthopaedic and psychiatric conditions, and cancer. There is conclusive scientific evidence that shows that obesity is caused by complex psychosocial, genetic and environmental factors. Diet and exercise are not effective as sole management of severe obesity. Bariatric surgery is the most cost-effective definitive treatment for all classes of obesity, and the associated weight reduction causes improvement or complete resolution of obesity-associated comorbidity, improves the quality of life and reduces all-cause mortality. It is estimated that about 15% of adults in Nigeria are obese, and in the year 2023, it was reported that only 214 bariatric procedures were done locally, with 134 (62.6%) being gastric balloon insertions, 75 (35.1%) primary weight loss surgeries and 5 revisional surgeries (2.3%). In this article, we discussed the existing weight loss options in Nigeria, the current state of bariatric surgery and the need to improve the practice of bariatric surgery for obese Nigerians and complications of obesity.

Complications of the intragastric balloon treatment. Small bowel obstruction caused by migrated intragastric balloon - clinical case report and literature review.

An endoscopic intragastric balloon (IGB) placement is one of the minimally invasive methods of obesity treatment. One of the rare serious complications is mechanical bowel obstruction requiring operative management. We report a case of a male patient with small bowel obstruction due to IGB migration and the literature review of complications during IGB treatment. Detailed Case Description: A patient with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 was admitted to the hospital with spontaneous deflation of an IGB. Due to the suspected location of IGB in the ileum laparoscopy was performed. The enterotomy was performed and the IGB removed. The procedure and the postoperative period were uneventful. Spontaneous IGB ruptures are reported in the literature with a frequency ranging from 0.6 to 23%. The majority of deflated devices are spontaneously excreted with the stool with no abdominal symptoms. Only 0.38% of IGBs cause mechanical bowel obstruction of requiring surgical management. Based on our own experience and literature review, we propose the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Complications after IGB placement can range from mild to severe, that is why it is so important to make an early diagnosis based on the emerging symptoms and to implement prompt management to reduce or avoid serious complications. Any patient reporting disturbing symptoms occurring over a pro- longed period of time requires hospitalization and careful observation for the occurrence of gastrointestinal obstruction. The ideal option is hospitalization in the center which implemented the IGB and start with the algorithm we proposed.

Correlation Between Age, Initial Body Mass Index (BMI) with Excessive Weight Loss in Very Early Postoperative Period

Introduction. As a major outcome of bariatric surgery, weight loss can be affected by many factors, such as sociodemographic, behavioral problems, genetics, patient status, and the surgical technique. However, limited data were available. This research aimed to seek a correlation between age and BMI with excessive weight loss after bariatric surgery. Method. Cross–sectional study design from 2 bariatric centers in Jakarta, using data from 2018–2022. Percentage Excessive Weight Loss (%EWL) 3 months was an outcome measurement tool. Results. Of 87 subjects enrolled with male to female ratio was 1:4. Age ranged from 14–62 years (median 39 years). Type 1 obesity, type 2 obesity, and type 3 were 37.9%, 20.6%, and 28.7%, respectively. Bariatric surgeries include gastric balloon (10.3%), endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ELSG) (8%), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LLSG) (41.3%), sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (1.1%), Roux en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (31%), single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass (SADI) (8%). In the 3rd month postoperative, it was found 29.8% of participants with %EWL ≥50%: mean %EWL LLSG 46.7% (41.6–51.9%), mean %EWL RYGB 45.5% (40.5–50.7%). Correlation analysis showed a reverse correlation between BMI with %EWL (r = –0.294, p 0.006) and age showed a weak correlation to %EWL (r = 0.063, p 0.565) Conclusion. In the 3rd month, the higher the BMI, the lower %EWL found. Age barely correlates with weight loss.

Weight-Loss Endoscopy Trial: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Weight Loss in Endoscopically Implanted Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liners versus Intragastric Balloons versus a Sham Procedure.

Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy and various comorbidities. Surgical interventions are effective but accompanied by the risk of serious complications. Less invasive endoscopic procedures mainly comprise the intragastric balloon (IB) and the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL). A randomized, sham-controlled study comparing both procedures has not been undertaken so far. We performed a randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, controlled trial comparing weight loss in IB versus DJBL versus a sham procedure (2:2:1 ratio). Patients with a BMI &gt;35 kg/m2 or &gt;30 with obesity-related comorbidities were included. The IB was removed after 6 months and the DJBL after 12 months. The main objective was successful weight loss (&gt;10% from baseline) 12 months after explantation of the devices. Secondary outcomes were changes in comorbidities, quality of life, and complications. Thirty-three patients were randomized. Recruitment has to be stopped suddenly in after the DJBL device lost its CE mark in Europe. In all, 11 patients received DJBL, 15 IB, and 7 were allocated to the sham group. Blinding was feasible in all patients. Weight decreased from baseline until explantation (DJBL: 129.4 ± 28.3 kg to 107.4 ± 16.7 kg; IB: 118.3 ± 22.8 kg to 107.4 ± 25.7 kg; sham: 134.6 ± 18.0 kg to 131.2 ± 14.3 kg), but patients regained weight almost to the baseline level 12 months after explantation. Only 1 patient in IB group reached the primary endpoint. Severe device-related complications were very rare. Endoscopic bariatric procedures failed to achieve effective weight loss 12 months after explantation of the devices. The results of this trial need to be interpreted with caution due to its early termination.

Quantifying Diaphragm Blood Flow With Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Humans

Despite the known interplay between blood flow and function, to our knowledge, there is currently no minimally invasive method to monitor diaphragm hemodynamics. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound to quantify relative diaphragm blood flow (Q˙DIA) in humans and assessed the technique's efficacy and reliability during graded inspiratory pressure threshold loading. We hypothesized that: (1) Q˙DIA would linearly increase with pressure generation, and (2) that there would be good test-retest reliability and interanalyzer reproducibility. Can we validate what is, to our knowledge, the first minimally invasive method to measure relative diaphragm blood flow in humans? Quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the costal diaphragm was performed in healthy participants (10 male participants, 6 female participants; mean age 28 ± 5 years; BMI 22.8 ± 2.0kg/m) during unloaded breathing and three stages of loaded breathing on two separate days. Gastric and esophageal balloon catheters measured transdiaphragmatic pressure. Ultrasonography was performed during a constant-rate IV infusion of lipid-stabilized microbubbles following each stage. Ultrasound images were acquired after a destruction-replenishment sequence and diaphragm specific time-intensity data were used to determine Q˙DIA by two individuals. Transdiaphragmatic pressure for unloaded and each loading stage were 15.2 ± 0.8, 26.1 ± 0.8, 34.6 ± 0.8, and 40.0 ± 0.8 percentage of the maximum, respectively. Q˙DIA increased with each stage of loading (3.1 ± 3.1, 6.9 ± 3.6, 11.0 ± 4.9, and 13.5 ± 5.4 acoustic units/s; P< .0001). The linear relationship between diaphragmatic flow and pressure was reproducible from day to day. Q˙DIA had good to excellent test-retest reliability (0.86 [0.77, 0.92]; P< .0001) and excellent interanalyzer reproducibility (0.93 [0.90, 0.95]; P< .0001) with minimal bias. Relative Q˙DIA measurements had valid physiological underpinnings, were reliable day-to-day, and were reproducible analyzer-to-analyzer. This study indicated that contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a viable, minimally invasive method for assessing costal Q˙DIA in humans and may provide a tool to monitor diaphragm hemodynamics in clinical settings.

The evolution and current state of bariatric endoscopy in Western countries.

With the alarmingly increasing prevalence of obesity in the Western world, it has become necessary to provide more acceptable treatment options for patients with obesity. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are continuously evolving. Currently, metabolic and bariatric endoscopies encompass several different techniques that can offer significant weight loss and improvement in comorbidities with a favorable safety profile. Restrictive bariatric procedures include the use of intragastric balloons and gastric remodeling techniques with different suturing devices. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these techniques that are widely used in clinical practice. Small intestine-targeted metabolic endoscopy is an intriguing and rapidly evolving field of research, although it is not widespread in routine practice. These techniques include duodenal-jejunal bypass liners, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, and incisionless anastomoses. The aim of this review article is to provide a detailed update on the currently available bariatric endoscopy techniques in Western countries.

Stopgap Measures for Obesity Prior to Surgery.

The data on preventive measures for managing obesity prior to surgery is limited. This review highlights the role of stopgap measures for managing obesity before surgery. Body weight regulation to achieve sustainable weight loss is a gradual process. Regular aerobic exercises, transformative yoga and restrained eating can contribute to a calorie deficit. Behavioural strategies aim to raise awareness, set goals, manage stress, and support adherence to healthier lifestyles. Pharmacotherapy can be adjunctive in inducing weight loss but could be better at maintaining weight. Intragastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty are restrictive procedures for patients before surgery. Obesity is a multifaceted chronic disease with adverse health consequences. There is a need to identify contributors to weight gain and treatment should target the cause of obesity. Utilize stop-gap measures and monitor progress for step-up or more intensive treatment. Structured weight loss needs lifelong commitment.

Factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric procedures in patient over 65 years old: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Although bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age gives comparable results to treatment in the younger population, there are still controversies regarding the indications for surgery, risk assessment, and choice between different types of surgery. The study aimed to identify the factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age. This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with obesity aged over 65 years undergoing primary laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the years 2008-2022. Data came from 11 bariatric centers. Patients were divided into two groups: responders (R) who achieved more than 50% EWL and nonresponders (NR) who achieved less than 50% EWL. Both groups were compared. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of weight loss success. Out of 274 analyzed patients, the average BMI before surgery was 42.9kg/m 2 . The most common obesity-related diseases were hypertension (85.1%) and type 2 diabetes (53.3%). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most frequently performed procedure (85.4%). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed preoperative BMI (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98, P =0.02), duration of diabetes >10 years (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.09-0.82, P =0.02), balloon placement (OR=10.6, 95% CI: 1.33-84.83, P =0.03), time since first visit (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99, P =0.04), preoperative weight loss (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98, P =0.01), and OAGB (OR=15.7, 95% CI: 1.71-143.99, P =0.02) to have a significant impact on weight loss success 1 year after bariatric surgery. Patients with higher preoperative weight loss may have a poorer response to surgery. OAGB emerged as the most beneficial type of surgery in terms of weight loss. Intragastric balloon placement before surgery may be effective in patients above 65 years of age and may be considered as a two-stage approach.

Evaluating Weight Loss Efficacy in Obesity Treatment with Allurion's Ingestible Gastric Balloon: A Retrospective Study Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker.

Obesity represents a growing public health concern, affecting more than 15% of the global adult population and involving a multi-billion market that comprises nutritional, surgical, psychological, and multidisciplinary interventions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and body weight measurements associated with differing levels of physical activity following the use of Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon that was designed to increase feelings of fullness and decrease food consumption, being naturally eliminated after approximately 16 weeks. This study involved 571 individuals who qualified for the intervention for being older than 20 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker and Allurion's smartwatch, this study was able to track vital signs and physical activity in real time. The participants had an average initial BMI of 34.1 kg/m2 and a median age of 41 years. Notable outcomes were observed in both study groups, "Less Active" and "More Active", which were classified by achieving less or more than a median number of 8000 daily steps. Specifically, body fat percentage saw a reduction from 33.1 ± 9.4 to 28.3 ± 10.2 in the less active group and from 32.2 to 27.5 in the more active group, with both groups achieving statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in average weight, dropping from 98.2 ± 22.8 kg to 84.6 ± 19.3 kg in the less active group and from 97.7 ± 21.0 kg to 82.1 ± 22.9 kg in the more active group (both p < 0.001). Interestingly, those in the more active group also experienced a significant increase in lean mass compared to their less active counterparts (p = 0.045), although no substantial differences in weight loss, BMI reduction, and total body fat decrease were observed between the two groups. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon significantly reduces weight in the short term and enhances several physical health metrics, demonstrating effectiveness as an autonomous method for challenging weight management, regardless of the level of daily physical activity.