Gastric balloons, also known as stomach balloons, are balloons made of polyurethane or silicone that are placed in the stomach before inflation. After placement, these balloons are inflated in the stomach using a sterile fluid, occupying space and creating a feeling of fullness to aid weight loss. Gastric balloon placement is not a surgical procedure, although some types are placed endoscopically. Depending on the type, these balloons can remain in the stomach for 4 to 12 months. Because it is a reversible and renewable procedure, it is frequently used, particularly in the treatment of obesity.
All gastric balloons have the same mechanism of operation, but they are categorized according to their application methods.
FIXED VOLUME GASTRIC BALLOONS
These balloons are inflated to 400-600 ml during insertion into the stomach, and their volume remains unchanged afterward. They remain in the stomach for 6 months and are then removed endoscopically.
ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BALLOONS
The difference between this balloon and the fixed-volume one is that its volume can be adjusted according to the required amount in the stomach. An adjustable gastric balloon can be inflated to 400-500 ml after insertion. Its volume can then be reduced or it can be completely removed depending on the individual’s treatment progress.
ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC BALLOON
Some adjustable or fixed-volume gastric balloons are applied using endoscopy. The patient is lightly sedated before the endoscopy. The balloon is then placed in the stomach in a deflated state and inflated.
SWALLOWABLE GASTRIC BALLOON
The difference between this type of balloon and others is that a capsule, small enough to be swallowed, is placed in the stomach by swallowing it, without the use of any placement method. After being swallowed like a normal pill, the balloon is inflated and remains in the stomach for 16 weeks. During this time, the coating on it opens, the liquid inside empties into the stomach, and the balloon deflates. The deflated balloon is then naturally expelled from the body through stool. The swallowable gastric balloon application was developed by Allurion USA.
There are many companies that produce gastric balloons. We will list the most commonly used gastric balloon brands.
MEDSIL:
This balloon, which can remain in the stomach for 6 months, is a Russian-made balloon and is inserted orally using endoscopic methods and removed using the same method. It is one of the most preferred gastric balloon brands in Turkey.
SPATZ3:
Spatz3 is an adjustable gastric balloon brand. It is the only brand where the balloon’s volume can be adjusted. It is suitable for use for 12 months.
ORBERA:
Orbera gastric balloon is a brand approved by the FDA in America in 2015. This balloon, which can remain in the stomach for 12 months, has not been used in Europe since 1991.
ALLURION – ELIPSE:
Allurion/Elipse gastric balloon differs from other brands because it does not require any anesthesia or endoscopy. After being swallowed, it is naturally expelled from the body within an average of 4-5 months.
DISTRICLASS:
This company’s headquarters are in France. Founded in 1983, it is a well-established company. The company is managed by Jacques Bertheas. The brand’s main expertise is the production and supply of implantable materials for chemotherapy treatment. However, thanks to its unique and professional approach among gastric balloon manufacturers, it has managed to become one of the best brands.
APOLLO ENDOCERRAHI:
Headquartered in Austin. Founded in 2005 by Dennis L. McWilliams. The company’s vision is to produce less uncomfortable materials for the treatment of excess weight worldwide. It is among the leading names in high-end gastric balloon manufacturers.
LEXEL:
Headquartered in Argentina. The company, whose CEO is Nestor Lava, was founded in 1991. The general aim of this company is the research, production, and development of all necessary consumables for healthcare, including medical devices. It is a pioneer in its class among gastric balloon manufacturers using advanced technologies.
HELYOSKOPI:
The company was founded in Vienna, France in 2000 by Jean-Paul Rico. The company has been providing quality service in its field for over 20 years. It leads the market for gastric balloon manufacturers. The company’s goal is to reduce obesity, which is spreading worldwide.
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