Silicone 'ping pong ball' implanted in the stomach could help relieve persistent heartburn
A silicone ball implanted in the stomach could help relieve persistent heartburn. The device, about the size of a ping pong ball, is stitched to the top of the inside of the stomach via keyhole surgery. In position, the ball presses down on the one-way valve that lets food move from the oesophagus — the food pipe — and into the stomach. This stops the valve opening the wrong way and letting acid leak from the stomach back up into the oesophagus, which is common in heartburn patients and causes the ‘burning’ pain. The device, about the size of a ping pong ball, is stitched to the top o...