An endoscopic wireless gastrostimulator (with video).

BACKGROUND

Gastric electric stimulation (GES) at a high-frequency, low-energy setting is an option for treating refractory gastroparesis. The currently available commercial stimulator, the Enterra neurostimulator (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN), however, requires surgical implantation and is powered by a nonrechargeable battery.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and test a miniature wireless GES device for endoscopic implantation in an experimental model.

DESIGN

In-vivo gastric signals were recorded and measured in a nonsurvival swine model (n = 2; 110-lb animals).

INTERVENTION: An endoscopically placed, wireless GES device was inserted into the stomach through an overtube; the two GES electrodes were endoscopically attached to the gastric mucosa and secured with endoclips to permit stimulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stable electrogastrogram measures were observed during GES stimulation.

RESULTS

Electrogastrogram recordings demonstrated that gastric slow waves became more regular and of constant amplitudes when stomach tissues were stimulated, in comparison with no stimulation. The frequency-to-amplitude ratio also changed significantly with stimulation.

LIMITATION: Nonsurvival pig studies.

CONCLUSION

Gastric electric stimulation is feasible by our endoscopically implanted, wireless GES device.