Thomas Shin, MD, PhD
UVA Health has successfully completed its first Enterra™ gastric neurostimulator implant to treat severe, drug-refractory gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach doesn’t empty its food as it should.
The procedure was performed robotically by a surgical team led by bariatric surgeon Thomas Shin, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery. The procedure was successful, with excellent early results in reducing nausea symptoms. This milestone represents an exciting step forward for UVA Health.
Enterra™ Therapy delivers mild electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves and smooth muscles of the stomach, helping reduce the chronic nausea and vomiting associated with diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. By providing Enterra™ Therapy, an FDA-approved Humanitarian Use Device, UVA expands its commitment to advancing therapeutic options for complex gastrointestinal disorders that affect over tens of thousands of patients nationwide. The next Enterra™ implantation is already scheduled for early 2026.
Filed Under: Clinical