Medtronic Launches GastriSail in Select Markets

Medtronic has launched its GastriSail gastric positioning system for bariatric surgery in the U.S., Europe and Middle East, the company said Tuesday. A worldwide launch is set for later this year.

The product helps to promote more consistent sleeve creation and greater efficiency during sleeve gastrectomies, the most common surgery to combat obesity. During the procedure, surgeons remove an estimated two-thirds of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch.

The GastriSeal system allows surgeons to size and decompress the stomach pouch and test for leaks without having to use any additional devices, cutting down on the risk of irritating or injuring the esophagus, Medtronic says. It also features an LED light to illuminate the stomach, helping the surgeon see where the organ should be dissected, stapled and divided.

The FDA cleared GastriSail for marketing in February. — Jason Scott