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Cryoablation for Obesity Management

Percutaneous Image Guided Cryoablation of the Vagus Nerve for Management of Mild-Moderate Obesity

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03092778
Enrollment
20
Registered
2017-03-28
Start date
2017-06-13
Completion date
2018-07-25
Last updated
2018-10-31

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Obesity

Keywords

Cryoablation, Radiology

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of cryoablation therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate obesity and test the safety (good and bad effects) of this procedure. The vagus nerve transmits hunger signals from the stomach to the brain, and in response transmits stomach expansion signals from the brain to the stomach. Investigators believe that by interrupting this communication, participants could experience less hunger and in turn lose weight.

Detailed description

The purpose of this single arm study is to assess the efficacy of cryoablation therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate obesity and test the safety (good and bad effects) of this procedure. The vagus nerve transmits hunger signals from the stomach to the brain, and in response transmits stomach expansion signals from the brain to the stomach.Investigators believe that by interrupting this communication, participants could experience less hunger and in turn lose weight. The rationale for using cryoablation to treat obesity is based on this investigator's experience safely targeting peripheral nerves via CT guidance and treated with thermal ablation in daily clinical practice. the primary objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility and safety (over time) of percutaneous image guided cryoablation of the posterior vagus nerve in obese patients. The secondary objective consist of temporal evaluation of weight loss and appetite before and after the procedure. This will be analyzed through documentation of weight, and through the implementation of validated outcome instruments.

Interventions

PROCEDURECryoablation

A computed tomography (CT) scan will be completed to map out where to insert the cryoablation needle. Numbing medicine will be used to numb the skin and deeper tissues before inserting the needle. The cryoablation needle will be inserted and directed toward the target area of the vagal nerve. A CT scan will be done during the procedure to help guide the needle which will be held in position by the study doctor(s) once it reaches the target area. With the needle in place, the study doctor(s) will freeze the zone over 3 minutes, a 2 minutes thaw will follow, then 2 more cycles of 3 minutes freeze and 2 minute thaw will complete the procedure. This portion of the procedure can last from 25 to 35 minutes. Once the targeted area has been properly treated, the cryoablation needle will be withdrawn.

Sponsors

Endocare, Inc.
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
Emory University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Body Mass Index (BMI) 30-35 * Weight loss refractory to diet changes or exercise * Absence of coagulopathy * Ability and willingness of patient to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Active infection * Underlying congenital anatomic or other spinal anomalies that result in non-conventional anatomy at the gastro-esophageal junction * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant * Immunosuppression * History or laboratory results indicative of any significant cardiac, endocrine, hematologic, hepatic, immunologic, infectious, metabolic, urologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, psychiatric, renal, neoplastic, or other disorder that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator would preclude the safe performance of cryoablation * Uncorrectable coagulopathies * Concurrent participation in another investigational trial involving systemic administration of agents or within the previous 30 days * Have undergone a previous bariatric surgical intervention

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Cryoablation Procedure Events (CPEs)Post Intervention (Up to 24 Hours)Adverse events which occur within the first 24 hours following cryoablation.
Number of Adverse EventsDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)Clinical signs or symptoms of infection (fever), hemorrhage (pain, imaging changes), that occur outside of the time periods specified for CPEs.
Number of Significant Adverse Events (SAEs)Duration of Study (Up to 2 Years)Significant adverse events include life-threatening adverse events and death.
Number of Breakthrough EventsDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of events requiring emergency or urgent physician consultation.
Frequency of Breakthrough EventsDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The frequency of events requiring emergency or urgent physician consultation.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS)Week 1, Month 6 (Post Intervention)The KPAS is a self-report measure regarding physical activity and living habits. There are four different sections; household and family care activities, occupational activities, active living habits, and participation in sports and exercise. Sections are scored independently on a consecutive scale.
Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life QuestionnaireWeek 1, Month 6 (Post Intervention)The Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire is a self-reported measure regarding self-esteem and physical activity levels. Total scores range from -3 to 3, where -3 indicates very poor and 3 indicates very good.
Enrollment RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of participants enrolled throughout the duration of the study.
Recruitment RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of participants approached for enrollment throughout the duration of the study.
WeightBaseline, Month 6 (Post Intervention)Weight will be measured in kilograms.
Exclusion RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of patients excluded from participation.
Number of Candidates who Chose not to ParticipateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of eligible patients who chose not to participate in the study.
Withdrawal RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of details regarding patient withdrawal including deaths and lost to followup.
Protocol Deviation RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of protocol deviations that may impact study results.
Retention RateDuration of Study (Up to 2 Years)The number of participants that complete all study visits.
HeightBaseline, Month 6 (Post Intervention)Height will be measured in inches.
Body Mass Index (BMI)Baseline, Month 6 (Post Intervention)Body Mass Index will be measured using a BMI calculator.
Hip CircumferenceBaseline, Month 6 (Post Intervention)Hip Circumference will be measured in inches.
Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)Week 1, Month 6 (Post Intervention)The FFQ is a self-reported measure where participants are asked to describe their food intake during specific time periods.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026