The FDA's January 2015 approval of EnteroMedics Inc.’s Maestro, a neuromodulation device that blocks vagus nerve impulses to control feelings of hunger and facilitate weight loss, has illustrated the need for more weapons in the fight against obesity. For some time we have had bariatric surgery options such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, as well as Apollo Endosurgery Inc.'s Lap-Band adjustable gastric band system – but surgery has its drawbacks and is limited to certain patients.
Traditional surgery carries a higher risk of side effects or even death, is associated with longer recovery times, and also doesn’t come cheap: gastric banding costs $10,000 to $17,000, while gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy come in at $17,000 (for laparoscopic surgery) or $26,000 (for open surgery), according to the recent Medtech Insight report, "US Markets for Obesity Drugs & Devices
Read the full article – start your free trial today!
Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights
- Start your 7-day free trial
- Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
- Access comprehensive global coverage
- Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Already a subscriber?