Bariatric Embolization: A Narrative Review of Clinical Data From Human Trials

Bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) is a novel technique that is investigated as an alternative, often supplementary, method for weight management. BAE reduces blood perfusion to the gastric fundus, and thus, reduces the production of appetite-inducing hormones. No randomized controlled trial has evaluated the efficacy of BAE to date. Available evidence from published studies include retrospective evaluations of patients undergoing left gastric artery embolization for gastrointestinal bleeding, and early prospective, single-arm clinical trials. Review of clinical data from human trials suggest an average weight loss of about 8-9 kg (ranging 7.6-22.0 kg), corresponding to 8-9% (ranging 4.8-17.2%) of the patients’ baseline weight. Common complications include superficial gastric ulcers. Though uncommon, gastric perforation and splenic infarct are important major complication that may arise after left gastric artery embolization. Overall, BAE is an effective, relatively safe procedure that may be associated with clinically significant weight loss in patients with obesity.