What Helioscopie does

Helioscopie S.A. is a France-based, privately held medical device manufacturer founded in 2000 and headquartered in Vienne, Isère. The company designs, manufactures, and commercializes implantable medical devices (EU MDR Class I to III, CE marked under EN ISO 13485) with a core specialization in the surgical and endoscopic treatment of obesity. Its proprietary portfolio comprises the Heliosphere air-filled intragastric balloon (marketed in two volumes for one- or two-phase treatment), the Heliogast adjustable gastric band family (HAGA and HAGE variants), and the Heliosond gastric calibration probe used in bariatric surgery. Helioscopie manufactures 100% of its Heliogast line and the broader proprietary range in controlled-atmosphere zones at the Vienna facility, covering silicone molding, metal/silicone/polymer assembly, blister packaging, and steam sterilization.

Beyond proprietary manufacturing, Helioscopie holds exclusive French distribution rights for two complementary franchises: Dynamesh PVDF hernia repair implants (distributed from a German producer) and Bulkamid polyacrylamide hydrogel for female stress urinary incontinence (from Contura). This layered model lets the firm monetize internal R&D and manufacturing on obesity devices while extending commercial reach into parietal and uro-gynecological surgery through distribution partnerships.

Helioscopie commercializes through a direct national sales force targeting digestive, bariatric, uro-gynecological surgeons, and gastroenterologists across France, supplemented by a distributor network covering 35+ countries internationally. Marketing relies on specialty congress participation (e.g., MEDICA, EHS, CFU), clinical data publications, and surgical training via the Listo Academy webinar program. With over 1,500 practitioners using its devices and 25+ years of operating history, the company positions itself as a specialist mid-size European player in niche implantable obesity and adjacent surgical specialties.

Name

Helioscopie

Legal name

Helioscopie

Website

https://helioscopie.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Helioscopie is a privately held French medical device manufacturer (founded 2000, Vienne, Isère) that designs, makes, and distributes Class I–III CE-marked implants for bariatric surgery (Heliosphere, Heliogast, Heliosond) and exclusively distributes Dynamesh hernia mesh and Bulkamid urinary incontinence products in France and 35+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bariatric Medical Devices

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Open & Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments (Handheld, Laparoscopic, MIS) (HLAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Advanced Endoscopy (ERCP/EUS/Interventional) (HLAKAEAC), Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (Laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy) (HLAKAJAF)

Keywords

• Bariatric medical devices
• Intragastric balloon systems
• Adjustable gastric bands
• Hernia repair implants
• Urinary incontinence treatments

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medical Device Manufacturing and Sales: Helioscopie designs, manufactures, and commercializes implantable medical devices Class I to III, specialized in surgical or endoscopic treatment of obesity. The company also distributes exclusive brands Bulkamid and Dynamesh for the French market. Products are sold through a direct commercial network in France and via international distributors. Manufacturing is performed in-house at the Vienna facility with controlled-atmosphere production zones.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Helioscopie designs, manufactures, and commercializes implantable medical devices (Class I to III) for the surgical and endoscopic treatment of obesity, including the proprietary Heliosphere air-filled intragastric balloon, Heliogast adjustable gastric band, and Heliosond gastric calibration probe, all produced at its Vienna, France facility. The company also serves as the exclusive French distributor for two third-party brands: Dynamesh PVDF-based hernia repair implants and Bulkamid urethral filling agent for stress urinary incontinence.

Product overview

Helioscopie is a French medical device manufacturer specializing in obesity treatment and related surgical solutions. The product portfolio consists of proprietary devices (HELIOSPHERE air-filled intragastric balloon, HELIOGAST adjustable gastric band, HELIOSOND gastric calibration probe) and distributed products (DynaMesh® PVDF wall reinforcement implants for hernia repair, BULKAMID® urethral filling agent for urinary incontinence). The company designs, manufactures, and commercializes implantable medical devices Class I to III, with specialization in minimally invasive and reversible surgical/endoscopic obesity treatments, wall reinforcement (parietal surgery), and urinary incontinence solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HELIOSPHERE: Air-filled intragastric balloon for non-surgical treatment of obesity.
• HELIOGAST
• HELIOSOND

Products and services

• HELIOSPHERE intragastric balloon Air-filled intragastric balloon weighing under 15 grams, implanted endoscopically to occupy volume in the stomach and induce satiety for non-surgical obesity treatment over a maximum 6-month implantation period. Designed to limit nausea and vomiting by avoiding pressure on gastric mucosae through free positioning.
• HELIOGAST adjustable gastric band (HAGA and HAGE) Adjustable minimally invasive silicone gastric band implanted around the upper part of the stomach to divide it like an hourglass and induce satiety. Connected via catheter to a subcutaneous implantable chamber that allows post-operative adjustment of the internal diameter through saline injection. HAGA features a unique 'double support' adjustable membrane for enhanced band stability.
• HELIOSOND gastric calibration probe Sterile single-use silicone calibration probe with atraumatic soft conical tip and optional inflatable balloon (up to 40 cm³), used in bariatric surgery including sleeve gastrectomy, bypass, and gastric band placement. Available in 36Fr or 39Fr sizes with biocompatible silicone construction.
• DynaMesh PVDF wall reinforcement implants Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) wall reinforcement implants for inguinal hernia (Lichtenstein, TEP, TAPP), ventral hernia/evisceration (IPOM, CICAT), umbilical hernia, peristomal hernia, and hiatal hernia repair. Backed by over 20 years of clinical studies demonstrating biocompatibility, stability, and resistance to aging.
• BULKAMID urethral filling agent Urethral bulking agent composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% polyacrylamide, injected into urethral tissues to add volume and coapt the urethra for minimally invasive, non-incisional treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Clinical data shows efficacy lasting several years, with effectiveness reported up to 7 years post-treatment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 68% excess weight loss after 5 years of treatment with Heliogast HAGA adjustable gastric band
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DynaMesh (manufactured by German producer)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelioscopie is the exclusive French distributor for Dynamesh brand of PVDF wall reinforcement implants. Dynamesh is the only hernia mesh made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), offering products for inguinal hernia, ventral hernia, umbilical hernia, peristomal hernia, and hiatal hernia repair. Products are CE certified under EU MDR 2017/745 (TÜV SÜD - 0123). Helioscopie promotes Dynamesh at major hernia surgery congresses including Hernia-France, EHS, and Colorectal Day.
• Bulkamid (manufactured by Contura)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelioscopie is the exclusive French distributor for Bulkamid, a urethral filling agent composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% polyacrylamide used to treat female stress urinary incontinence. More than 70,000 women have been treated with Bulkamid in 25 countries over 15 years. Helioscopie promotes Bulkamid at urology and uro-gynecology congresses including CFU (Congrès Français d'Urologie), SIFUD-PP, SCGP, and the Santé Rennes congress.
• Listo AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelioscopie partners with Listo Academy to organize surgical training webinars and masterclasses featuring live demonstrations using Helioscopie-distributed implants (particularly Dynamesh). Sessions are led by international surgeons (Dr. Khalil, Pr. Moszkowicz, Dr. Zarras, Dr. Perrin) and have reached participants from France, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Syria, India, and Mauritius. The partnership combines theoretical presentations, live surgery, and interactive exchanges.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/helioscopie-sa

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Helioscopie