vBloc Neurometabolic Therapy with the Maestro System
Obesity is a growing epidemic across the world and is a significant contributor to growing medical bills. vBloc vagal blocking neurometabolic therapy is designed to address this problem. The vagus nerve has a number of roles to play in the human body, affecting the intestine, stomach, and pancreas. It provides a two-way channel between the body and the brain, thereby playing a big role in digestion. The nerve has been shown to help enable multiple metabolic and gastrointestinal mechanisms, including:
• Stomach expansion when the food passes through the esophagus
• Stomach contractions to break the food down into smaller pieces
• Releasing gastric acid to continue the processing of food
• Emptying the contents of the stomach into the small intestine
• Secreting digestive enzymes that enable calorie absorption
• Controlling sensations of hunger and satisfaction
What Is the Science Behind vBloc Neurometabolic Therapy?
Surgical vagotomy, or severing the vagus nerve, was historically used to treat peptic ulcers. These studies showed that patients experienced reduced appetite and weight loss following vagotomy. However, these effects weren’t sustainable, as the body eventually compensated for the disruption. Taking their cue from this, researchers designed vBloc therapy to block the signal to the vagus nerve intermittently with the help of an implantable device. Intermittent blocking mitigates the negative effects associated with vagotomy and adjusts the accommodation response to a complete block.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
vBloc therapy intermittently blocks the signaling to the vagus nerve and disrupts message transmission that involves food processing and intake. It does this using a pacemaker-like system known as the Maestro system. This reduces the appetite and induces weight loss by limiting the expansion of the stomach and reducing the intensity and frequency of stomach contractions. vBloc therapy also reduces calorie absorption by decreasing digestive enzyme secretion.
The surgery involves a laparoscopic procedure that preserves the normal anatomy of the digestive system. The Maestro system is implanted and programmed non-invasively by the surgeon to meet the individual needs of the patient. The device can be deactivated, reactivated, adjusted, or removed if desired. With no nutritional deficiencies or food restrictions, the therapy facilitates patients to address the lifestyle and behavioral challenges that are associated with obesity.
What Are the Advantages of vBloc Therapy?
• It Is Completely Safe – The Maestro system is safe and there are no therapy-related adverse effects. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that there are no cardiovascular risks to the treatment.
• Successful Weight Loss – The therapy successfully reduces the hunger pangs between meals and promotes early fullness, thereby promoting weight loss.
• Positive Approach – The therapy addresses the challenges of obesity without compromising on nutrition, safety, lifestyle, or undergoing anatomical disfigurement. It does not require a post-implant diet and patients can eat normal and healthy meals without any restrictions.
• Effects on Hypertension and Diabetes – The treatment also has positive effects in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes. It is currently undergoing a clinical trial to determine the specific effects it has on all these obesity-related secondary conditions.
Since the procedure is performed laparoscopically, there are no risks involved. Device malfunction is a possibility and if it happens, the device can be replaced easily.
Make an Appointment
An experienced surgeon will be available to answer any questions you may have about vBloc neurometabolic therapy with the Maestro system during a consultation. Schedule your consultation by contacting our office today.
