Transplenic Portal Catheterization

The use of percutaneous trans-splenic access (TSA) of the portal system has grown for the treatment of chronic portal vein occlusion, placement of stents in cases of portal vein stenosis, portal vein embolisation of the liver, embolisation of gastric varices, placement of porto-systemic shunts, and interventions after liver transplants.  

The authors conclude that the use of percutaneous TSA access could be used for the treatment of many portal system abnormalities with high success and low complication rates.  

Embolization Helps Severely Obese Patients Lose Weight

A study published in Radiology found that bariatric embolization of the gastric fundus leads to weight loss and a reduced appetite in severely obese patients.

In this prospective study 20 participants whose mean age was 44 years and who had a mean body mass index of 45 +/- 4.1 were enrolled at two institutions from June 2014 to February 2018.  Trans-arterial embolization of the gastric fundus was performed. Primary end points were 30-day adverse events and weight loss at up to 12 months.  Average weight loss of 8.2 percent after one month, 11.5 percent after three months, 12.8 percent at six months and 11.5 percent at one year.

In conclusion severely obese adults tolerate well bariatric embolization.  It induces appetite suppression and weight loss for up to 12 months.