Bariatric surgery techniques are getting an upgrade with EndoFLIP, a revolutionary new medical device that will assist bariatric surgeons during weight loss surgery for optimum results.
The EndoFLIP (Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe) Imaging System has been CE-marked and FDA approved, so it is now available for use outside of clinical trials. The technology was developed as a way of more precisely measuring the dimensions and function of the gastrointestinal tract regions in order to improve surgical outcomes.
While the EndoFLIP is not in itself a new type of bariatric surgery, it is an innovative surgical tool designed to improve current bariatric procedures as well as assist in newly emerging weight loss surgery techniques.
With current bariatric procedures, the imaging technology is being applied as a new way to:
- measure and calibrate the gastric pouch during gastric bypass surgery
- measure and calibrate the stoma during adjustable gastric banding surgery
- measure and calibrate the gastric sleeve during vertical sleeve gastrectomy
With the ability to get more precise measurements, the EndoFLIP can help bariatric surgeons to set a consistent gastric band stoma size during surgery, document the need for revision surgery in gastric bypass patients, and allow printouts of pouch volume and stoma size for referral in cases of weight regain.
The EndoFLIP has also been used to assist with a newly emerging type of weight loss surgery known as gastric imbrication (or gastric plication). Gastric imbrication is a reversible procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to limit eating, but does not require a medical implant or removal of any stomach tissue. The result is similar to gastric sleeve, but instead of removing stomach tissue, the greater curvature of the stomach is pleated and stitched together.
The imaging system will not only benefit bariatric surgery patients, but GERD patients, potential candidates for GERD surgery, and patients with anorectal disorders. The EndoFLIP is the first in a range of products being marketed by Crospon, a medical device research and development company backed by people who have years of experience in the medical device industry.
