Lap band
LAP-BAND is a brand name for an Adjustable Gastric Banding System (AGBS) that is advanced yet simple which can help you gradually lose and control your weight by reducing the amount of food that your stomach can hold at one time. Allergan is the pioneer of adjustable gastric banding in the United States. However, this is a constantly evolving technology, involving a great deal of research and development. The latest generation of the LAP-BAND® System, known as the LAP-BAND AP® System, which is the most advanced adjustable gastric banding system approved to date by the FDA. It was built on a proven heritage of effective laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding technology. The LAP-BAND AP® System uses Omniform™ technology, (patented) which has individual, soft, precurved, sections and has a 360 degree inflation area. Omniform™ technology is designed to reduce leakage potential as a result of unwanted folds or creases. Simultaneously, the 360 degree inflation area evenly distributes pressure evenly to ensure complete coverage of stomach anatomy. Also, the LAP-BAND AP® System has the highest available fill volume so your surgeon has the flexibility to offer more precise adjustments.
Many potential and post surgical patients are well aware of the distinct advantages of laparoscopic surgery which include faster recovery, shorter hospital stays,and reduced pain and trauma. However, in the early 1990's, when this type of surgery first became popular, laparoscopic weight loss surgery was not yet perfected. Dr. Lubomyr Kuzmak, an American surgeon from New Jersey introduced open Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (ASGB) at this time. In 1991, Allergan (then named Development Company) began a confidential project with two Belgian surgeons, Dr's. M. Legrand and Mitiku Belachew, and together they developed innovative laparoscopic gastric banding for the treatment of significant excess weight. The laparoscopic AGB surgical procedure performed on a human was conducted on September 1, 1993, in Huy, Belgium, and a clinical trial program was started at the same time. Upon its conclusion, in March 1994 the First International Workshop on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, including 30 surgeons from around the world, was held in Huy, Belgium.
Additional workshops were held internationally, and Allergan set a strict policy that only surgeons who have participated in a training program at an Allergan approved center would be allowed access to the LAP-BAND® System. Any surgeon that desires to use the LAP-BAND® System is required to have advanced laparoscopic skills and in addition to advanced bariatric surgery skills. Each surgeon must also be qualified and experienced in the treatment of seriously overweight patients. The LAP-BAND® System first became available to be used by the trained surgeons outside of the U.S. in July, 1994. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established U.S. based clinical trials in 1995. In June, 2001 the LAP-BAND® was approved for general use. Over 500,000 LAP-BAND® System devices have since been distributed to date worldwide to allow thousands of patients to lose and control their weight, reduce their health risks, and live more active, happier, lives. Allergan is continuing to refine and improve the LAP-BAND® System and associated surgical techniques in conjunction with surgeons around the world to achieve better outcomes for our patients. The latest generation of the LAP-BAND® System, the LAP-BAND AP®, became available to U.S. patients in 2007.
