MR-Guided Vagal Cryoablation for the Treatment of Obesity in a Canine Animal Model – Preliminary Results

Motivation: To explore MR-guided vagal cryoablation as a minimally invasive option for obesity management. Goal(s): To evaluate safety, feasibility, and efficacy of MR-guided vagal cryoablation assessing its impact on weight and metabolism in an obese canine model. Approach: Three healthy dogs were used to develop workflow. In chronic studies, two cohorts of obese dogs underwent MR-guided vagal cryoablation. Cohort 1 received excess calories both pre- and post-procedure. Cohort 2, currently ongoing, received excess calories only pre-procedure, simulating lifestyle modification post-procedure. Results: Cryoablation was technically successful in all dogs. Cohort 1 showed 5.3% weight gain post-procedure with no significant changes in fat percentage. Impact: Preliminary results indicate MR-guided vagal cryoablation is feasible and safe but may require adjunctive therapies for effective obesity management. Future studies could enhance its efficacy as part of a multimodal treatment approach.