What is the 6-Month Gastric Balloon? How is it Applied?

The gastric balloon is an innovative method used in the treatment of obesity. In this procedure, balloons filled with liquid or gas are temporarily placed in the stomach. However, this application is usually limited to six months. Among the new generation of balloon technologies are Orbera, Heliosphere, and Obalon. Each is designed with different materials and offers specific advantages. For example, Obalon can be swallowed and easily adjusted in volume, while Heliosphere stands out for its lightness. These methods help patients experience less discomfort during the treatment process.

What is Orbera and How is it Applied?

The Orbera gastric balloon is an endoscopic application used especially in the treatment of obesity. The main purpose of this application is to temporarily reduce the stomach capacity to increase the feeling of fullness. This process helps the patient eat less and consequently lose weight.

Clinical Applications of Orbera

Orbera is a balloon filled with liquid and generally has a volume ranging from 400 to 700 mL. The balloon’s fill volume can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs and tolerance. Research has shown that using the balloon within this volume range helps patients achieve a total body weight loss of 13.2%.

• Volume and Tolerance: A volume of 600-650 mL helps reduce adverse events like esophagitis, while higher volumes may increase the rate of adverse events.
• Weight Loss: Patients treated with Orbera experienced an average excess weight loss of 25.44%.
• Adverse Events: Situations requiring early removal of the balloon are usually due to tolerance issues.

Long-Term Results

Studies on the long-term effects of Orbera show continued weight loss even after the balloon is removed. Specifically, 80% of the total weight loss achieved during the first six months after balloon placement is maintained during this period.

• Diabetes and Hypertension: This process indicates improvements in conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Recovery Process: Most patients show significant improvement after treatment.

Clinical Research and Observations

The effectiveness of Orbera is supported by various clinical studies. However, these studies are mostly observational, with a limited number of randomized controlled trials. The results of these studies provide data supporting the safety and effectiveness of the balloon.

• Meta-Analyses: Meta-analyses have evaluated the impact and safety of Orbera using data from large patient groups.
• Results and Statistics: Meta-analysis results show an average reduction in body weight of 16 ± 0.9 kg, with 80% of the weight loss occurring in the first three months of treatment.

The Orbera gastric balloon has been used in clinical applications for many years, contributing to the weight loss process of many patients during this time. The improvements observed after balloon placement and thereafter prove this treatment method to be an effective tool in combating obesity. This method, which can be tailored to the needs of each patient, also plays a significant role in improving individuals’ quality of life.

What is Heliosphere? How is it Applied?

The Heliosphere gastric balloon is an air-filled device used especially in the treatment of obesity. This balloon was introduced in 2004 and is predominantly manufactured in France. Its main purpose is to occupy enough volume in the stomach to help the patient eat less. This balloon is better tolerated by patients due to its lighter weight after implantation.

The design of the Heliosphere balloon causes less gastric discomfort thanks to the air inside. This balloon generally remains in the stomach for six months, supporting the weight loss process during this period. The advantage of being air-filled is that it poses a lower risk of gastric pain and nausea for patients. Additionally, air-filled balloons are lighter than liquid-filled ones, making them less likely to press against the stomach walls.

The application process of the Heliosphere balloon is similar to other gastric balloons. However, there are some specific features to consider during the application stage:

• The balloon is placed in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure.
• The position and volume of the balloon within the stomach are adjusted to provide the best results for the patient.
• After the balloon is placed, the patient is expected to make dietary and lifestyle changes.

The Heliosphere balloon should be used considering the following conditions:

• The patient’s health status and weight loss goals.
• The results the patient has achieved from similar treatments in the past.
• The patient’s capacity to adapt to balloon treatment.

Studies on the Heliosphere balloon generally evaluate the balloon’s effectiveness and patient safety. Findings from these studies show that the balloon is effective for both short-term and long-term use. Patients experience significant weight loss during the time the balloon remains in the stomach, and this weight loss continues even after the balloon is removed.

Potential risks and side effects associated with the use of the Heliosphere balloon vary depending on the patient’s individual health status and adaptation to treatment. However, in general, the volume created by the balloon in the stomach helps patients eat less, thus reducing calorie intake. This contributes to weight loss in the long term. The Heliosphere is considered an important tool in the treatment of obesity and is used by many clinics and health centers worldwide.

What is Obalon? How is it Applied?

Obalon is a gastric balloon developed in the United States. This technology is designed to support the weight loss process in overweight individuals. The feature of Obalon is the use of gas-filled balloons that are swallowed and placed in the stomach. These balloons mechanically fill the stomach volume, providing a faster feeling of fullness.

The Obalon system consists of three separate balloons, each with a volume of 250 mL. In total, these balloons reach a volume of 750 mL. The first balloon is swallowed at the beginning of the treatment, and the subsequent balloons are added one per month. Each balloon is inflated using a remote-controlled mechanism during placement. The catheter used during this process is removed after the balloon is fully inflated, and the balloon valve closes automatically.

Obalon treatment typically continues for six months, after which the balloons need to be removed from the stomach. The removal procedure is performed via endoscopy; the balloons are punctured and extracted using forceps.

Some advantages of Obalon treatment include:

• Verification of balloon placement in the stomach using magnetic resonance instead of fluoroscopy,
• Minimizing exposure to radiation,
• The simplicity of the procedure allows it to be performed by a single operator.

Approved by the FDA, Obalon is used as follows:

• After swallowing the first balloon, the placement is verified using a magnetic system without the need for radiography.
• Additional balloons are added one per month until a total of three balloons are placed in the stomach.
• The patient’s weight loss progress is monitored throughout the treatment process.
• At the end of six months, the balloons are safely removed from the stomach using an endoscopic method.

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Obalon:

• Significant weight loss during balloon use,
• High patient satisfaction and tolerance,
• Minimal side effects.