For Obese Patients, a Relatively New Device for Weight Reduction

With the AspireAssist system, partially digested food is removed through a gastrostomy tube.

In 2016, the FDA approved the AspireAssist System, a weight-loss device that involves endoscopic placement of a specially designed gastrostomy tube. About 20 minutes after a meal, an external drainage tube is attached to the gastrostomy tube port and partially digested food (typically about 30% of ingested calories) is flushed out and discarded. The study that led to FDA approval involved 171 adults (body-mass index [BMI], 35–55 kg/m²; mean BMI, 42 kg/m²); now, results of the study have been published.

Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive AspireAssist plus lifestyle counseling or lifestyle counseling only. During 1 year of follow-up, device patients lost a significantly larger proportion of excess body weight than did controls …

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

For Obese Patients, a Relatively New Device for Weight Reduction

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Reviewing Author