HMC PHYSICIAN PRESENTS NEW RESEARCH AT EUROPEAN OBESITY SUMMIT
HOLYOKE, MA – June 15, 2016 – Holyoke Medical Center’s Dr. Yannis Raftopoulos, Board Certified Bariatric Surgeon and Weight Management Specialist, presented new research on the first procedure-less gastric balloon at this year’s European Obesity Summit in Gothenberg, Sweden, June 1 – 4, 2016. Dr. Raftopoulos’ research shows the new product to be safe with similar weight loss results as other balloon procedures that use endoscopy.
Traditional gastric balloons for weight loss require endoscopy for placement and removal. However a new type of balloon called Elipse™ manufactured by Allurion Technologies in Wellesley, Mass., is the first procedure-less gastric balloon. The balloon is swallowed, resides in the stomach for 4 months, and is then excreted. Dr. Raftopoulos conducted a European clinical trial in Greece. Allurion Technologies intends to conduct a randomized, controlled clinical trial in the United States in the future.
Dr. Raftopoulos noted that, “the weight loss observed was similar to that seen in prior studies of endoscopically placed balloons. There were no serious adverse events. In addition, Elipse therapy led to a significant improvement in waist circumference, Hemoglobin A1c levels and overall quality of life.”
“Holyoke Medical Center is proud to provide the Pioneer Valley with an innovative and experienced international physician, such as Dr. Raftopoulos. This new technique for which he has experience offering may prove to revolutionize the field when it becomes available,” said Spiros Hatiras, President and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.
Dr. Raftopoulos is the Medical Director of the Holyoke Medical Center Weight Management Program, located at 10 Hospital Drive, Suite 103, Holyoke, MA 01040. To schedule an appointment, please call 413-535-4757.
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About Holyoke Medical Center
Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) is a 198-bed facility with over 1,200 employees serving individuals and families throughout the cities and towns of the Pioneer Valley. The medical staff includes more than 300 physicians and consulting staff. Among some of top-rated services at HMC is the award-winning HMC Stroke Service which has been consistently rated as one of the best in the state by The American Heart and Stroke Association. Areas of clinical emphasis also include behavioral health, critical care, emergency care, orthopedics, oncology, rehabilitation, women’s health services, and speech and hearing services. Holyoke Medical Center is a member of Valley Health Systems in Holyoke which also includes the affiliates Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Life Care, Western Mass Physician Associates and River Valley Counseling Center.