Gastric perforation

Gastric Pacemaker

A Gastric Pacemaker is a medical device that uses electrical impulses to regulate the muscles of the stomach in patients who have gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. The gastric pacemaker is also known as a gastric electrical stimulator, or a gastric neurostimulator.

History

The concept of a gastric pacemaker was first proposed in the 1960s, but it wasn't until the late 1990s that the first devices were implanted in humans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of gastric pacemakers in 2000.

Function

The gastric pacemaker is surgically implanted into the abdomen. It sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves and smooth muscle of the lower stomach, which helps control the muscles that move food through the stomach. The device is programmed by a healthcare provider to deliver the optimal amount of stimulation for each patient.

Uses

Gastric pacemakers are used to treat severe cases of gastroparesis, particularly when the condition is resistant to medication. They are also used in cases where the cause of the gastroparesis is unknown, a condition known as idiopathic gastroparesis.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with the implantation of a gastric pacemaker. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the stomach or other organs. There is also the risk that the device may not work as intended, or may stop working over time.

Future Developments

Research is ongoing into the use of gastric pacemakers for other conditions, such as obesity and GERD. There is also research into the development of wireless or non-invasive gastric pacemakers.

See Also

• Gastroparesis
• Pacemaker
• Gastroenterology