What Is Endovascular Treatment?
Endovascular weight-loss treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures for people living with obesity. Though a minimally invasive procedure, this approach aims to reduce appetite, support metabolic change, and assist in lasting weight control. This treatment is part of a broader commitment to safe, modern options for individuals ready to take control of their health.
How Does An Endovascular Treatment Work?
The goal of this procedure is to “turn down” your body’s main hunger signal. A doctor makes a tiny entry point, usually in your wrist, and gently guides a very thin tube (called a catheter) through your arteries. Using X-rays as a guide, they navigate this tube to the specific arteries that feed the upper part of your stomach. This area, known as the fundus, is the primary source of ghrelin, your “hunger hormone.”
Once the tube is in place, the doctor releases safe, microscopic beads to block those tiny arteries, reducing the blood flow to this area and lowering your ghrelin production. The result? You feel less hungry and have less desire for food, which helps you lose weight.
This specific treatment is called Bariatric Arterial Embolization (BAE) and it’s what we at the Obesity Institute specialize in.
The Science Behind Endovascular Bariatric Therapies
Although still emerging in the body of peer-reviewed research, the clinical evidence for BAE shows promise. A review of early human trials found an average weight loss of about 17 to 19 pounds, or roughly 8 to 9 percent of baseline body weight (1). A more recent meta-analysis found a mean absolute weight loss of about 13 pounds in obese patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 25 to 40, noting that longer term follow up is still needed (2).
One 2018 study consistently showed reductions in Ghrelin levels, improvements in appetite control and early satiety, and generally favorable safety profiles (3).
Why Choose Endovascular Weight Loss Treatment
There are several reasons why someone might consider an endovascular approach like BAE. The procedure is performed via catheter rather than open surgery, bringing a potential lower risk, shorter recovery time, and smaller incisions. For example, researchers note that compared to surgical gastric bypass, BAE is significantly less invasive with much shorter recovery.
This approach is also generally less invasive than the physical restriction or bypass of your digestive tract. For those who may not qualify or prefer to avoid traditional surgery, this procedure offers another option. A 2024 study found 100 percent technical success in patients with a BMI greater than 35 and no major adverse effects.
That said, this is still a relatively new therapy. While initial results are encouraging, longer-term outcomes, comparisons to established surgical options, and broader-patient pool data are still being researched (4).
How It Compares to Traditional Weight Loss Surgery
Traditional weight-loss surgeries, such as Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass, alter your anatomy directly by removing part of your stomach, creating a small pouch, or bypassing portions of your intestine. Patients tend to see substantial weight loss results with procedures like these, although there is a longer history of clinical data behind them.
Endovascular treatments, like BAE, aim to preserve your anatomy while affecting hormone production (remember ghrelin?) and blood supply. They may produce somewhat modest results, but studies are still ongoing to determine long-term effectiveness. Patients considering any of these options should understand the trade offs: magnitude of weight loss, invasiveness, risk, recovery, and long-term data.
What To Expect During & After Your Procedure at the Obesity Institute
Your journey starts with a consultation and evaluation of your overall health status, medical history, anatomy, BMI, and any weight loss history.
On your scheduled procedure day, you’ll meet with your surgical team and walk through the procedure. Because the treatment is minimally invasive, this is typically an outpatient and office-based procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. You’ll leave with just a band-aid at the incision site.
You’ll receive care instructions post-procedure, including monitoring for minor discomfort, dietary guidance, and follow-up visits. You’ll continue lifestyle support including nutrition, physical activity, and regular check ups. Side effects are generally mild but your doctor will discuss what you should watch for.
Learn more about our BAE procedure and reach out to schedule your visit today!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon and doctor to discuss your personal health situation and to determine if a certain procedure is right for you.
References
- Hafezi-Nejad N, Bailey CR, Weiss CR. March 23, 2020. Bariatric Embolization: A Narrative Review of Clinical Data From Human Trials.
- Khurana R., et al. December 30, 2023. Bariatric arterial embolization in patients with body mass index ranging from 25 to 40: A systematic review & meta-analysis.
- Levigard RB., et al. February 1, 2021. Bariatric Embolization in the Treatment of Patients with a Body Mass Index Between 30 and 39.9 kg/m2 (Obesity Class I and II) and Metabolic Syndrome, a Pilot Study.
- Hafezi-Nejad N., et al. January 11, 2020. Bariatric Embolization: A Narrative Review of Clinical Data From Human Trials.