A gastric balloon is a medical device that is placed in the stomach for a longer period of time (4-12 months). Gastric balloons are used for people with obesity who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through dietary changes or medication.  A gastric balloon takes up space in the stomach, leaving less room for food and making the patient feel satiated sooner when eating. This causes the patient to eat less and lose weight. There are risks associated with the use of gastric balloons. RIVM has studied whether scientific research identified risks that are not currently stated on the instructions for use. This is not the case.

Patients with pelvic organ prolapse can be treated with mesh implants that are surgically implanted into the body. These implants can be implanted via two surgical approaches: via the abdomen (transabdominal) or via the vagina (transvaginal).

Essure is a medical device that induces permanent sterilisation in women. The treatment involves the placement of small metal coils in the fallopian tubes, to induce their closure. As a result, oocytes can no longer be transferred to the uterus. After around three months, fertilisation is no longer possible.

A hip implant is an artificial hip joint which is used to replace the natural joint. Friction between different parts of metal-to-metal hip implants releases metal ions and small metal pieces that can relocate into surrounding tissue and the bloodstream. This may induce an inflammatory reaction which then causes complications. RIVM evaluated the manufacturers’ product files in 2012.

In 2015 a news programme reported that some Terumo injection needles might contain an excess of adhesive residues. RIVM investigated whether patients’ health was at risk through the use of these needles.

Dermal fillers are products that are injected into or under the skin to fill wrinkles or scars. Although they can be used to restore the natural body shape after an operation, they are mainly used for cosmetic purposes. In 2006 RIVM conducted a literature search into permanent dermal fillers (which remain in the body permanently), with another literature study being performed in 2008 on non-permanent dermal fillers (which are degradable and disappear from the body after periods of 6 months or more).

Homecare technology covers medical devices that are provided by a medical organization or an insurance company and that are used by the patients at home. Thanks to homecare technology, more and more treatments can take place at home which only used to be provided in a hospital.

Breast implants are medical devices that are used for breast reconstruction or to enlarge the breasts. A breast implant can be placed after a breast is removed during cancer treatment, or as a preventive measure. Breast implants are often placed to enlarge the breasts for cosmetic reasons. RIVM carried out a number of studies into breast implants, namely laboratory research, a review of the manufacturers’ product files and an evaluation of the scientific literature.