Heliosphere<SUP>®</SUP> Bag in the Treatment of Severe Obesity: Preliminary Experience

Abstract

Although weight loss was satisfactory, this device cannot be considered an advance for the temporary treatment of morbid obesity. This balloon still has some instrumental and technical problems that need to be solved: high rate of system failure at positioning, high rate of spontaneous deflation, absence of a marker such as methylene blue, and large size with low pliability that cause significant patient discomfort.

Impact on Obesity-Related Illnesses and Quality of Life Following Intragastric Balloon

“…Earlier balloon designs were plagued by high balloon failure rates and serious complications. The newer designs of balloon (BIB system and Heliosphere® system) were introduced recently and have undergone extensive evaluation worldwide with promising results [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. They are placed inside the stomach endoscopically for a maximum of 180 days to decrease stomach capacity and gastric emptying.…”

“…More importantly, the newer design of the balloons is more reliable and predictable. The reported premature balloon rupture and serious complication is rare if it is removed within the recommended period and followed up carefully by a dedicated obesity team in a multidisciplinary approach [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

Evidence-based Review of the Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss

“…Here, we review the experience published about the liquid-filled BIB used as an adjunct for weight loss promotion in humans; readers interested in air-filled balloons are referred to the few recent articles published about these devices [2][3][4].…”

Safety and effectiveness of gastric balloons associated with hypocaloric diet for the treatment of obesity

“…New gastric balloons have recently become available. Adjustable balloons with long-term durability permit long implantation time (25), and gastric devices filled with air could result in better gastrointestinal tolerance (26).…”