RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Excess pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, available methods for reducing PAT volume include weight loss through diet and exercise, weight loss with medications, and bariatric surgery. However, these methods are all limited by low patient compliance to maintain the results. We have developed an injectable ice slurry that could selectively target and reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue volume. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of using injectable slurry to selectively reduce PAT volume in a preclinical large animal model. METHODS: PAT in Yucatan swine was injected with slurry or room temperature control solution. All animals were imaged with baseline chest computed tomography (CT) before slurry injection and at 2 months after injection to quantify PAT volume. Specimens from injected and noninjected PAT were harvested for histology. RESULTS: Slurry treatment of PAT was well tolerated in all animals. Slurry-induced selective cryolipolysis in treated PAT. CT imaging showed decrease in PAT volume in treated area at 8 weeks posttreatment compared to baseline, that was significantly different from control solution treated group (median [range]: -29.66 [-35.07 to -27.92]% vs. -1.50 [-11.69 to 8.69]% in control animals respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that slurry injection into PAT is feasible in a large animal model. Slurry injection was safe and effective in inducing selective cryolipolysis in PAT and reducing PAT volume. Slurry reduction of PAT could potentially serve as a novel treatment for cardiovascular diseases.