minimizer ADJUSTABLE
gastric BAND


Fig. 1: two closing positions
Two-sizes-in-one
For instance, the decision as to which size of band to use, i.e. which diameter of the gastric band will be best-suited for a specific patient can only be made during the operation.
The MiniMIZER Adjustable Gastric BAND, with its two-sizes in-one concept offers the possibility to choose the correct size during the procedure by closing the band in either position 1 (diameter 31mm) or position 2 (diameter 26mm). (see fig. 1)
Being able to choose the correct size from the beginning one avoids early refilling of the band or avoid refilling at all as was demonstrated by Claessens (1).
Direct Fixation of Band to Stomach
Another issue in gastric banding is created by the formation of the gastro-gastric plication, which can inadvertently be made too tight or too loose.
The retaining loops (see fig. 2) allow for direct fixation to the stomach, securing the gastric band against slipping as described by Collet (2), Claessens and Szewczyk (3). The gastro-gastric plication is not required anymore, therewith avoiding too tight or too loose plications.
Even if the loops are not directly fixed to the stomach, tissue ingrowth will create a form of auto-fixation, making sure the band will not slip.
Fig. 2: Loops allow for direct stomach fixation

Predictable Band Formation
The filling compartment of the MiniMIZER Adjustable Gastric BAND is an integral part of the band, embedded in the rugged outer silicone ring (see fig. 3).
This prevents the compartment from being pushed outward by the stomach, like is the case with traditional gastric bands, which have a separate band and a separate and wider filling compartment.
With traditional gastric bands, many of the milliliters injected go the unsupported sides of the compartment, which are easily pushed back by the filled stomach, therewith not contributing to a reduction in the stomach’s diameter.

Fig. 3: Comparison of in vitro and in vivo

Selection of Adjustment Ports
The MiniMIZER Adjustable Gastric BAND comes with the A.M.I. EcoPort:

A.M.I. Infusion Port System
A.M.I. EcoPort slimline F8 (REF: CPS6831)
The top model, with its slim shaped body and metal cover as
protection against inadvertent puncturing of the catheter.
* off label use
Literature
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding without plication (166 kb)
Dr. Frank Claessens, January 2006 - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Results after 2 Years with Two Different Band Types
D. Collet; A. Rault; A. Sa Cunha; D. Larroude; B. Masson - Gastric banding with fixation but without plication (90 kb)
Frank Claessens, Steven Bessemans, Tomasz SzewczykVideo Library
- Dr. Claessens MiniMizer Video (67 MB)
MiniMIZER Gastric RING
In banded gastric bypass and banded gastric sleeve a non-adjustable gastric ring should be used which should be easy to place. more
PinkTRIGGER
The PinkyTRIGGER is a unique reusable 5mm laparoscopic instrument, which, next to being a gastric band introducer, can be used as a bilateral dissector. more
Procedures
Banded Gastric Bypass, Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Banding. more

