Analysis of biomaterial latex-derived flow mechanical controller

This paper describes the basic guidelines for developing an innovative biomedical device. It covers the issues of researching about a suitable material, developing a new device, and testing its proprieties to check its effectiveness. The goal of the device is to control food flow into the esophagus, reducing its volume and the speed of food intake to help in the treatment of obesity. This module, called Esophageal Flow Controller (EFC®), is made of latex. Three different models of prototypes were developed, and 10 units of each model had their constructive and mechanical characteristics evaluated. All of them have followed the same manufacturing cycle. The results showed that the Esophageal Flow Control module has all the essential characteristics of an effective device for flow control in the esophagus.