Establishing a multidisciplinary bariatric arterial embolization program: A two-year clinical experience

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Obesity Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) is an emerging treatment for obesity.
• It is considered for patients who failed nonoperative treatments and are not candidates for bariatric surgery.
• Guidance on integrating BAE into weight management programs (WMPs) is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience of building a multidisciplinary clinical program integrating BAE into routine obesity care.
• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of BAE within a WMP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center observational case series (November 2021-September 2023).
• Inclusion criteria: BMI ≥30 kg/m², failure of nonoperative management, ineligible/unwilling for metabolic-bariatric surgery.
• BAE suitability determined by multidisciplinary discussion.

Main Results:

• Thirty-one patients considered, 9 cleared, 5 underwent BAE (mean age 42, mean weight 116 kg).
• Mean weight loss: 7.0% at 4-5 months, 4.2% at 12 months.
• Successful BAE with transient nausea/vomiting; mean cost $14,329.

Conclusions:

• BAE is a viable obesity treatment option with low complication risk within a comprehensive WMP.
• Collaboration between interventional radiologists and obesity medicine physicians is crucial.
• BAE should be a component of a WMP, not a standalone procedure.