Surgically implanted devices are commonly seen on X-Ray. Being able to correctly identify is important. For the film above, identify the following:
1. What is the implanted device?
The device is a gastric pacemaker.
2. What condition is this device used to treat?
Gastric pacemakers are used to treat gastric hypomobility, known as gastroparesis. Abnormally poor gastric motility interferes with normal digestion with food which in turn can alter blood sugar and other chemistry levels and overall patient nutrition. Nausea and vomiting may ensue, in additional to quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, abdominal bloating and pain. Long term gastroparesis may result on malnutrition, dehydration, and, formation of bezoars - a hard mass-like conglomeration of undigested material which may lead to obstruction. Gastroparesis may be associated with diabetes or in some cases may be idiopathic but likely related to some insult to the vagus nerve.
Prior to having a gastric pacemaker implanted, attempts to improve gastric motility may be done using medications such as Raglan, erythromycin, or domperidone. There is some evidence that patient's may also benefit from alternative medicine, for instance acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and biofeedback.
1. What is the implanted device?
The device is a gastric pacemaker.
2. What condition is this device used to treat?
Gastric pacemakers are used to treat gastric hypomobility, known as gastroparesis. Abnormally poor gastric motility interferes with normal digestion with food which in turn can alter blood sugar and other chemistry levels and overall patient nutrition. Nausea and vomiting may ensue, in additional to quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, abdominal bloating and pain. Long term gastroparesis may result on malnutrition, dehydration, and, formation of bezoars - a hard mass-like conglomeration of undigested material which may lead to obstruction. Gastroparesis may be associated with diabetes or in some cases may be idiopathic but likely related to some insult to the vagus nerve.
Prior to having a gastric pacemaker implanted, attempts to improve gastric motility may be done using medications such as Raglan, erythromycin, or domperidone. There is some evidence that patient's may also benefit from alternative medicine, for instance acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and biofeedback.