An improved intragastric balloon procedure using a new balloon: preliminary analysis of safety and efficiency.

Background: The authors developed a new intragastric balloon procedure with the objective of making it safer, faster, and less expensive than the established ones. The proposed procedure uses a new gastric balloon with technical improvements in the placement and removal procedures.

Methods: From June 2006 to July 2007, 52 patients were submitted to the new treatment with the Silimed Gastric Balloon (SGB), as part of a multidisciplinary program involving clinical, psychological, and behavioral approaches.