EnteroMedics VBLOC Vagal Blocking Therapy

[Alex Brecher 10,498]

Here's news released today by the FDA:

FDA approves first-of-kind device to treat obesity

The U.S. food and Drug Administration today approved the Maestro Rechargeable System for certain obese adults, the first weight loss treatment device that targets the nerve pathway between the brain and the stomach that controls feelings of hunger and fullness.

The Maestro Rechargeable System, the first FDA-approved obesity device since 2007, is approved to treat patients aged 18 and older who have not been able to lose weight with a weight loss program, and who have a body mass index of 35 to 45 with at least one other obesity-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes.

BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height, is used to define the obesity categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of all U.S. adults are obese, and people with obesity are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancer.

“Obesity and its related medical conditions are major public health problems,” said William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for science and chief scientist in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Medical devices can help physicians and patients to develop comprehensive obesity treatment plans.”

The Maestro Rechargeable System consists of a rechargeable electrical pulse generator, wire leads and electrodes implanted surgically into the abdomen. It works by sending intermittent electrical pulses to the trunks in the abdominal vagus nerve, which is involved in regulating stomach emptying and signaling to the brain that the stomach feels empty or full. Although it is known that the electric stimulation blocks nerve activity between the brain and the stomach, the specific mechanisms for weight loss due to use of the device are unknown.

External controllers allow the patient to charge the device and allow health care professionals to adjust the device’s settings in order to provide optimal therapy with minimal side effects.

The safety and effectiveness of the Maestro Rechargeable System were evaluated in a clinical trial that included 233 patients with a BMI of 35 or greater. The weight loss and adverse events of 157 patients who received the active Maestro device (the experimental group) were compared to 76 patients in the control group who received a Maestro electrical pulse generator that was not activated. The study found that after 12 months, the experimental group lost 8.5 percent more of its excess weight than the control group. About half (52.5 percent) of the patients in the experimental group lost at least 20 percent of their excess weight, and 38.3 percent of patients in the experimental group lost at least 25 percent of their excess weight.

The clinical study did not meet its original endpoint, which was that the experimental group lose at least 10 percent more excess weight than the control group. However, an FDA Advisory Committee (the Gastroenterology and Urology Devices Panel) found the 18-month data supportive of sustained weight loss, and agreed that the benefits of the device outweighed the risks for use in patients who met the criteria in the device’s proposed indication.

In considering the benefits and risks of the device in its review of the Maestro Rechargeable System, the FDA considered the clinical study and the Panel’s recommendations. Additionally, the Agency looked at an FDA-sponsored survey relating to patient preferences of obesity devices that showed a group of patients would accept risks associated with this surgically implanted device for the amounts of weight loss expected to be provided by the device.

As part of the approval, the manufacturer must conduct a five year post approval study that will follow at least 100 patients and collect additional safety and effectiveness data including weight loss, adverse events, surgical revisions and explants and changes in obesity-related conditions.

Serious adverse events reported in the clinical study included nausea, pain at the neuroregulator site, vomiting, as well as surgical complications. Other adverse events included pain, heartburn, problems swallowing, belching, mild nausea and chest pain.

The Maestro Rechargeable System is manufactured by EnteroMedics of St. Paul, Minnesota.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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[Stevehud 1,790]

I hope someone loves it but I wouldn't try it in a million years. don't mess with the brain unless you have to.

[Alex Brecher 10,498]

It messes with your vagus nerve. We'll know sooner than later if this is going to be successful.

[Beni 1,484]

Interesting and certainly less invasive then most WLSs. An 8.3% improvement over the control group is significant. Let's hope it works in the long run.

[playlikeworldchamps 595]

Great news that there is another option to help people I this struggle. Because of its less invasive nature perhaps someday the threshold will get lowered to BMI of 30 and the comorbidity at 35 (and then 30) taken away. 8.5% difference is much better but once 35-45 BMI may need actual WLS to get more significant results. I am not sure if this would have been enough for me as I never needed to be hungry to eat. But perhaps it makes people like I was just after sleeve when I never thought about food at all not just the lack of hunger. (Unfortunate that was temporary for me!)

In any case glad there's another option and it will be out there for those struggling.

[Shadowcub 28]

I just heard about this last night and I, for one, am VERY interested!

While Medicare covers WLS and more recently Obesity Counseling, it specifically exclude by matter of law weight loss medications.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Maestro ends up getting covered.

If it does, I think I would prefer this route, at least initially, to lose weight. I have a BMI of over 60 so getting approved for surgery is extremely easy. However, the idea of permanent malabsorption. with the possibility for malnutrition, from a RNY gives me pause. Maestro promises faster weight loss than diet and exercise alone, without the complications of rerouting the GI tract.

[Debra_Awes 2]

Hi everyone!

Posting my conversations in this blog now ... T-minus 2 days!!! So excited.

[Alex Brecher 10,498]

Hi everyone!

Posting my conversations in this blog now ... T-minus 2 days!!! So excited.

We can't wait to hear how it goes! If you know of any others getting VBLOC, please direct people to our forum.