In parenteral nutrition, nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a catheter inserted into a vein in the chest. Two tiny electrodes are surgically implanted in the muscles of the stomach wall. The electrodes are connected to a neurostimulator implanted in a pocket under the skin. The stimulator works like a heart pacemaker, sending pulses of electrical energy to the stomach muscle. Those pulses cause the stomach muscle to contract and relax, simulating the normal digestive process.
Physicians can fine-tune the stimulator as necessary.
Patients who aren t satisfied with the treatment can have the device turned off and removed. Enterra Therapy is approved for use through the FDA s humanitarian device exemption program. Doctors say it takes a few weeks for patients to see any effect, but it can eventually greatly reduce symptoms. Clinical studies done by the manufacturer show 100 percent of patients experienced a reduction of symptoms within 12-months of the treatment. In roughly 93 percent of patients, vomiting episodes were reduced by more than half.