There is now a new breakthrough weight loss procedure for people trying to lose excess weight. This new weight loss device is called TransPyloric Shuttle, or TPS, and has proven effective for people suffering from obesity. Unlike other weight loss procedures, TPS can be employed non-surgically and patient tolerance is high. So, let’s see how TPS works and if it’s a safe weight loss device or not.
What Is The TransPyloric Shuttle?
The TransPyloric Shuttle has a spherical bulb on one end that is connected to a smaller spherical bulb on the other end with a flexible tether.
The entire device is made up of medical grade silicone. TPS is delivered inside the patient through oral endoscopy. The smaller bulb self-positions itself into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) through regular bowel movements. The larger bulb settles in the stomach and reaches a diameter within the stomach that prevents migration.
This entire process allows the device to reside in the TransPyloric position. The opening of the stomach to the duodenum is then intermittently sealed by the larger bulb. When food is not able to pass freely through the stomach and intestines, it results in lower overall calorie intake and speeds up weight loss.
Recent Studies for the Safety of the TransPyloric Shuttle
A few studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of the TransPyloric Shuttle and its procedure. In one study, 20 participants were chosen non-randomly based on a BMI of 36 kg/m2 +/- 5.4kg/m2. Half of the subjects were assigned a 3-month treatment while the other half was assigned a 6-month treatment. During the study, endoscopies were performed under surveillance to evaluate the device and gastric tissues. When the treatment ended, all devices were removed again through oral endoscopy.
It took an average of about 10.3 minutes to deliver the device inside the stomach. On the other hand, it took an average of about 12.9 minutes to remove the device from the stomach. All delivery and removal procedures were performed without any complications. There was minimal and temporary intolerance to the TPS upon delivery. All patients were successfully able to get back to their normal routines. The patients who went through the treatment for three months experienced an excess weight loss for an average of about 31% and an average weight loss of about 9kgs.
The patients who went through the treatment for 6 months experienced excess weight loss for an average of about 50% and an average weight loss of about 15 kgs. Two of the patients consistently experienced gastric ulcers and decided to have their TPS device removed two weeks earlier than scheduled. Both those patients were able to recover and did not experience any side effects.
The study clearly shows this weight loss device is safe to use and effectively induces weight loss. It’s also a lot more tolerable than other weight loss procedures, mainly because it’s non-surgical.