SIR24: Bariatric Arterial Embolization Safely Reduced BMI in Hopkins Study

The procedure resulted in a decrease in the mean BMI of the participants from initially being 43.6 to 41.2 one-year post-procedure.

WeightControl.com Interview with:
Clifford R. Weiss, MD
Professor of Radiology
Director, the Johns Hopkins HHT Center of ExcellenceRadiological Science and Biomedical Engineering
Johns Hopkins University

WeightControl.com:  What is the background for this study? How would you describe the procedure?

Response: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bariatric Arterial Embolization (BAE) in patients who have a BMI greater than or equal to 35. BAE is a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment that reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin as a result of decreasing the blood flow to the stomach.

There were 10 participants recruited in this study. The participants were followed six weeks before BAE and a year following the procedure. After the procedure, the participants were admitted for routine supportive care for up to 48 hours. The participant’s BMI, weight, and body compensation were measured 1,3,6, and 12 months after the surgery.