Endovascular stent placement in patients with hepatic artery stenoses or thromboses after liver transplant

Vascular complications after liver transplantation: contemporary approaches to detection and treatment. A literature review

Vascular complications (VCs) after liver transplantation (LT) are rare but are one of the most dreaded conditions that can potentially lead to graft loss and recipient death. This paper has analyzed the international experience in the early diagnosis of various VCs that can develop following LT, as well as the optimal timing and methods of treatment of these complications.

Imaging and Intervention in the Management of Vascular Complications Following Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice in majority of the patients with end stage liver disease. Vascular complication following liver transplantation is seen in around 7-13% of the patients and is associated with graft dysfunction and high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in management of these patients. Advances in interventional radiology have significantly improved the management of vascular complications using minimally invasive percutaneous approach. Endovascular management is preferred in patients with late hepatic artery thrombosis, or stenosis, whereas retransplantation, surgical revision, or endovascular management can be considered in patients with early hepatic artery thrombosis or stenosis. Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, arterioportal fistula, and splenic artery steal syndrome are often treated by endovascular means. Endovascular management is also preferred in patients with symptomatic portal vein stenosis, early portal vein thrombosis, and symptomatic late portal vein thrombosis, whereas surgical revision or retransplantation is preferred in patients with perioperative portal vein thrombosis occurring within 3 days of transplantation. Venoplasty with or without stent placement can be considered in patients with hepatic venous outflow tract or inferior vena cava obstruction. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be required in transplant recipients who develop cirrhosis, often, secondary to disease recurrence, or chronic rejection. Indications for TIPS remain same in the transplant patients; however, major difference is altered vascular anatomy, for which adjunct techniques may be required to create TIPS.

Vascular Complications After Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Vascular complications after liver transplant can be lethal. High levels of suspicion and aggressive use of diagnostic tools may help with early diagnosis and treatment. Here, we share our experiences regarding this topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult and pediatric patients who had liver transplant between February 1997 and June 2018 in our clinic were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to age (pediatric patients were those under 18 years old), male versus female, indication for transplant, type of liver transplant, type of vascular complication, treatment, and survival aftertreatment.We analyzed the statistical incidence of vascular complications according to age, male versus female, and type of liver transplant.

RESULTS

Our analyses included 607 liver transplant procedures, including 7 retransplants, with 349 (57.4%) from living donors and 258 (42.6%) from deceased donors. Of total patients, 539 were adults (89.8%) and 61 were children (10.2%). Vascular complications occurred in 25 patients (4.1%), with hepatic artery complications seen in 13 patients (2.1%) (10 adults [1.8%] and 3 children [4.9%]), portal vein complications seen in 9 patients (1.5%) (6 adults [1.1%] and 3 children [4.9%]), and hepatic vein complications seen in 3 patients (0.5%) (2 adults [0.36%] and 1 child [1.6%]). Rate of vascular complications was statistically higher in pediatric patients (11.4% vs 3.3%; P = .007) and higher but not statistically in recipients of livers from living donors (5.2% vs 2.7%; P = .19). Twelve patients (48.8%) were treated with endovascular approach, and 11 (0.44%)required surgicaltreatment. Two patients underwent immediate retransplant due to hepatic artery thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Because vascular complications are the most severe complications afterlivertransplant,there must be close follow-up of vascular anastomoses, particularly early postoperatively, with radiologic methods. In cases of vascular complications, emergent treatment, including endovascular interventions, surgery, and retransplant, must be performed.

Simple Separate Sutures Versus Continuous Sutures on Hepatic Artery Anastomosis in Liver Transplant: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Liver transplant is the definitive treatment for liver failure of various causes. There are various operation methods, of which the conventional approach is most frequently performed. In the conventional technique, 4 anastomoses are required, and different subtleties in these techniques are known to cause different rates of complications. We assessed the outcome of a simple separate (ie, interrupted) suture technique compared with a the continuous suture technique in 194 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 194 patients included in this single-center, controlled study. The exclusion criteria were patients who died during the surgical procedure and patients with incomplete medical records. The data recorded were age, sex, past medical history of liver disease, tobacco use, comorbidities, and whetherthe livertransplant was for the first time or retransplant. All patients included in this study were recipients of liver transplants from deceased donors. The patients were categorized as those who received either simple sutures (n = 16) or continuous sutures (n = 178). The continuous suture operations were performed first, and the simple suture operations were performed at a later time (ie, the 2 groups were temporally separated). The results included the duration of surgery, hepatic artery thrombosis rate, hepatic artery stenosis rate, 2-year survival, and further complications.

RESULTS

No evidence of hepatic artery thrombosis or hepatic artery stenosis was observed in the study groups. The duration of surgery was equal in both groups. The 2-year mortality rate was significantly higher in the simple suture group.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuous suture method seems to be accompanied by a similar duration of operation and rate of complications compared with the simple suture process.

Our evolution in the treatment of hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis in pediatric liver transplantation: Success with catheter-directed therapies

BACKGROUND

In pediatric liver transplant recipients, hepatic artery thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis are major causes of acute graft failure and mortality within 30 days of transplantation. There is, however, a strong possibility of graft salvage if flow can be re-established to reduce ischemic injury. The current standard treatment is surgical revascularization, and if unsuccessful, retransplantation. Due to our success in treating these complications with catheter-directed therapies, we sought to summarize and publish the outcomes of all patients who experienced hepatic artery thrombosis or portal vein thrombosis within 30 days of liver transplantation.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 27 pediatric liver transplant recipients who experienced hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 13), portal vein thrombosis (n = 9), or both (n = 5) between September 2012 and March 2021. We collected and tabulated data on the patients and therapies performed to treat them, including success rates, primary and secondary patency, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among these patients, 6 were managed with anticoagulation and relisting for transplant and 21 had a primary revascularization attempt. Surgical recanalization was attempted in 7 patients of which 3 had successful recanalization (43%) and catheter-directed recanalization was attempted in 14 patients with 100% success in re-establishing blood flow to the graft. Additionally, patency was increased, and mortality was decreased in patients treated with catheter-directed recanalization compared to surgical revascularization or anticoagulation alone.

CONCLUSION

This data illustrates the need to further investigate catheter-directed thrombolysis as a potential first-line treatment for postoperative HAT and PVT in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Clinical Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Patients Over 60 Years Old: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES

Although advanced age is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant, transplant in elderly patients with comorbid diseases remains debatable because of high risks with surgery. Here, we report patient outcomes in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 276 liver transplant recipients, grouped by age. Group 1 (≤59 years old) consisted of 247 recipients, and group 2 (≥60 years old) consisted of 29 recipients. Reviewed data included age, sex, cause of liver disease, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, survival, and posttransplant complications.

RESULTS

In both groups, most patients (n = 108) required liver transplant for hepatitis B virus. Mean age was 40 ± 12.3 and 63 ± 2.3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with more men than women in both group 1 (71.7% vs 28.3%) and group 2 (75.9% vs 24.1%). No significant differences were shown between groups for patient characteristics, except group 1 had significantly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Group 1 mean survival time was 10.2 ± 0.6 years, with patient survival rates at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years of 65.5%, 53%, 46.3%, and 40%, respectively. In group 2, respective results were 10.6 ± 1.3 years and 75.9%, 68.6%, 61%, and 48.8% (no significant difference vs group 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplant recipients >60 years of age had survival rates, acute rejection rates, and complications similar to younger recipients. Liver transplant should not be withheld from older recipients on the basis of age alone. However, comprehensive screening for comorbidities should be performed.

Neuroform EZ Stents for Hepatic Artery Stenosis After Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Preliminary Report

PURPOSE

This preliminary study evaluated the safety and effectiveness for off-label use of Neuroform EZ (NEZ) stents in the revascularization of hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine of 489 (5%) OLTs with HAS were managed with NEZ stents between September 2016 and July 2021. Stenting outcomes were evaluated based on the technical success rate, procedure-related complications, and primary patency.

RESULTS

A total of 10 NEZ stents (4.5 mm × 3 cm, n = 6; 4 mm × 3 cm, n = 4) were successfully deployed in 9 torturous hepatic arteries and in 1 relatively straight artery without any procedure-related complications. Combined thrombolysis (n = 3) and balloon angioplasty (n = 6) was performed. The median duration of follow-up was 438 days (range, 120-1126 days). Asymptomatic re-stenoses were detected in 2 stents on days 60 and 433 after stenting. A Kaplan-Meier curve predicted cumulative primary stent patencies at 1, 2, and 3 years of 90%, 75%, and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

NEZ stents can be safely used to treat HAS after OLT with high technical success and favorable primary patency.

Management of early hepatic artery thrombosis following living-donor liver transplantation: feasibility, efficacy and potential risks of endovascular therapy in the first 48 hours post-transplant-a retrospective cohort study

This retrospective cohort study aims to review our 18-year experience with early hepatic artery thrombosis (e-HAT) following living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), as well as to assess the feasibility, efficacy and potential risks of endovascular management of e-HAT in the first 48 hours (hrs) post-LDLT. Medical records of 730 patients who underwent LDLT were retrospectively reviewed. In all cases who had developed e-HAT, treatment modalities employed and their outcomes were evaluated. Thirty-one patients developed e-HAT(4.2%). Definite technical success and 1-year survival rates of surgical revascularization[11/31 cases(35.5%)] were 72.7% & 72.7%, whereas those of endovascular therapy[27/31 cases(87.1%)] were 70.4% & 59.3%, respectively. Endovascular therapy was carried out in the first 48hrs post-transplant in 9/31 cases(29%) [definite technical success:88.9%, 1-year survival:55.6%]. Four procedure-related complications were reported in 3 of those 9 cases(33.3%). In conclusion, post-LDLT e-HAT can be treated by surgical revascularization or endovascular therapy, with comparable results. Endovascular management of e-HAT in the first 48hrs post-LDLT appears to be feasible and effective, but is associated with a relatively higher risk of procedure-related complications, compared to surgical revascularization. Hence, it can be reserved as a second-line therapeutic option in certain situations where surgical revascularization is considered futile, potentially too complex, or potentially more risky.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATIC ARTERY THROMBOSIS: ANALYSIS OF 1050 LIVER TRANSPLANTS

Background:

Hepatic artery thrombosis is an important cause of graft loss and ischemic biliary complications. The risk factors have been related to technical aspects of arterial anastomosis and non-surgical ones.

Aim:

To evaluate the risk factors for the development of hepatic artery thrombosis.

Methods:

The sample consisted of 1050 cases of liver transplant. A retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out, and the variables studied in both donor and recipient.

Results:

Univariate analysis indicated that the variables related to hepatic artery thrombosis are: MELD (p=0.04) and warm time ischemia (p=0.005). In the multivariate analysis MELD=14.5 and warm ischemia time =35 min were independent risk factors for hepatic artery thrombosis. In the prevalence ratio test for analysis of the anastomosis as a variable, it was observed that patients with continuous suture had an increase in thrombosis when compared to interrupted suture.

Conclusions:

Prolonged warm ischemia time, calculated MELD and recipient age were independent risk factors for hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation in adults. Transplanted patients with continuous suture had an increase in thrombosis when compared to interrupted suture. Re-transplantation due to hepatic artery thrombosis was associated with higher recipient mortality.

Complications after endovascular treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation can progress to hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and a subsequent 30% to 50% risk of graft loss. Although endovascular treatment of severe HAS after liver transplantation has emerged as the dominant method of treatment, the potential risks of these interventions are poorly described.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all endovascular interventions for HAS after liver transplantation between August 2009 and March 2016 was performed at a single institution, which has the largest volume of liver transplants in the United States. Severe HAS was identified by routine surveillance duplex ultrasound imaging (peak systolic velocity >400 cm/s, resistive index <0.5, and presence of tardus parvus waveforms).

RESULTS

In 1129 liver transplant recipients during the study period, 106 angiograms were performed in 79 patients (6.9%) for severe de novo or recurrent HAS. Interventions were performed in 99 of 106 cases (93.4%) with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone (34 of 99) or with stent placement (65 of 99). Immediate technical success was 91%. Major complications occurred in eight of 106 cases (7.5%), consisting of target vessel dissection (5 of 8) and rupture (3 of 8). Successful endovascular treatment was possible in six of the eight patients (75%). Ruptures were treated with the use of a covered coronary balloon-expandable stent graft or balloon tamponade. Dissections were treated with placement of bare-metal or drug-eluting stents. No open surgical intervention was required to manage any of these complications. With a median of follow-up of 22 months, four of eight patients (50%) with a major complication progressed to HAT compared with one of 71 patients (1.4%) undergoing a hepatic intervention without a major complication (P < .001). One patient required retransplantation. Severe vessel tortuosity was present in 75% (6 of 8) of interventions with a major complication compared with 34.6% (34 of 98) in those without (P = .05). In the complication cohort, 37.5% (3 of 8) of the patients had received a second liver transplant before intervention compared with 12.6% (9 of 71) of the patients in the noncomplication cohort (P = .097).

CONCLUSIONS

Although endovascular treatment of HAS is safe and effective in most patients, target vessel injury is possible. Severe tortuosity of the hepatic artery and prior retransplantation were associated with a twofold to threefold increased risk of a major complication. Acute vessel injury can be managed successfully using endovascular techniques, but these patients have a significant risk of subsequent HAT and need close surveillance.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting for Hepatic Vessel Stenosis after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vascular intervention in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of hepatic artery and hepatic vein stenosis after liver transplantation (LT), including thrombotic total occluded lesions.

METHODS

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty after orthotopic liver transplantation was performed to re-open hepatic vessel lesions. We daily used routine Doppler ultrasound during admission for early detection of graft hepatic vessel lesions, including hepatic artery and vein lesions. In outpatients, Doppler ultrasound was performed every month. Urokinase was delivered with a dose of 150,000-300,000 IU by catheter before PTA for thrombotic total occlusion of the graft for hepatic artery patients. Laboratory data were collected to evaluate the effects of the PTA procedure.

RESULTS

The study involved a total of seven patients, six of whom were successfully treated by a first PTA procedure. Thrombolysis use of urokinase in totally occluded donor hepatic arteries post-LT following stenting was successful in three patients. One complication occurred, an arterial dissection and perforation, finalizing the success rate at ~86% and the complication rate at ~14%. Therefore, our study has a primary patency rate of 100% at 1 and 3 months. Also, the graft survival rate was 100 % and 86 % in the first and third months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PTA with stenting is an effective treatment for hepatic vessel stenosis, including hepatic arteries and hepatic veins, after a liver transplantation without an increase in the complication rate. In addition, thrombolysis using urokinase intra-artery infusion in graft thrombotic total occluded patients is a good treatment strategy as well.

KEY WORDS

Angioplasty; Complication; Liver transplantation.

Vascular complications following liver transplantation: A literature review of advances in 2015

Although vascular complications (VCs) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) seldom occur, they are the most feared complications with a high incidence of both graft loss and mortality, as they compromise the blood flow of the transplant (either inflow or outflow). Diagnosis and therapeutic management of VCs constitute a major challenge in terms of increasing the success rate of liver transplantation. While surgical treatment used to be considered the first choice for management, advances in endovascular intervention have increased to make this a viable therapeutic option. Considering VC as a rare but a major and dreadful issue in OLT history, and in view of the continuing and rapid progress in recent years, an update on these uncommon conditions seemed necessary. In this sense, this review comprehensively discusses the important features (epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, prognostic and therapeutic) of VCs following OLT.

Anticoagulation and antiplatelets as prophylaxis for hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is the most serious vascular complication after liver transplantation. Multiple risk factors have been identified to impact its development. Changes in haemostasis associated with end stage liver disease and the disturbance of the coagulation and anticoagulation cascades play an important role in development of this lethal complication. Early recognition and therapeutic intervention is mandatory to avoid its consequences. Pharmacological prophylaxis, by the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, is an important tool to reduce its incidence and prevent graft loss. Only a few studies have shown a clear benefit of antiplatelet agents in reducing HAT occurrence, however, these studies are limited by being retrospective and by inhomogeneous populations. The use of anticoagulants such as heparin is associated with an improvement in the outcomes mainly when used for a high-risk patients like living related liver recipients. The major concern when using these agents is the tendency to increase bleeding complications in a setting of already unstable haemostasis. Hence, monitoring of their administration and careful selection of patients to be treated are of great importance. Well-designed clinical studies are still needed to further explore their effects and to formulate proper protocols that can be implemented safely.

Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment for Hepatic Artery Stenosis after Liver Transplantation: The Role of Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND

To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of interventional radiology treatment of patients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation at our Institution.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Hepatic artery stenosis was diagnosed and treated by endovascular technique in 8 (2.8%) patients, who underwent liver transplantation between July 2007 and July 2011. Patients entered the follow-up period, during which we analyzed hepatic artery patency with Doppler ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after percutaneous endovascular treatment (PTA), and every six months thereafter.

RESULTS

During the 12-month follow-up period, 6 out of 8 patients (75%) were asymptomatic with patent hepatic artery, which was confirmed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography, or color Doppler (CD) ultrasound. One patient had a fatal outcome of unknown cause, and one patient underwent orthotopic liver retransplantation (re-OLT) procedure due to graft failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HAS angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive and safe endovascular procedures that represent a good alternative to open surgery, with good 12-month follow-up patency results comparable to surgery.

Splenic Artery Syndrome after orthotopic liver transplantation: a review

Splenic Artery Syndrome (SAS) has emerged as a controversial cause for graft ischemia in orthotopic liver transplant (OLTx) recipients. A complex combination of factors including hepatic artery hypoperfusion and portal hyperperfusion can result in SAS. Clinical and laboratory findings suggest graft ischemia but are generally non-specific. Conventional angiography findings of hepatic artery hypoperfusion with early and rapid filling of the splenic artery are suggestive of the diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting. Treatment involves proximal splenic artery embolization, surgical splenic artery ligation, or in extreme cases, splenectomy. Most patients with SAS improve clinically following treatment. However, no randomized control trials are available to compare treatment options. Identification of at risk patients with pre-operative CT scans and intra-operative ultrasound has been proposed by some and may allow for prophylactic treatment of SAS.

Dissection of the hepatic artery and the celiac trunk after a liver transplant: description of a complication and endovascular management

Dissection of the common hepatic artery is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplant. Subsequent thrombosis and occlusion of the transplant artery can result in graft failure requiring retransplant. We describe a case of hepatic artery dissection, occurring on the basis of primary vasculopathy, extending into the celiac trunk, with subtotal occlusion of the vessel through accompanying thrombosis. An attempt of endovascular rescue led to successful recanalization of the vessel and graft survival.

Stent placement versus angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplant: a meta-analysis of case series

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a serious complication of liver transplantation but data on the most effective endovascular management are lacking. We aimed to compare percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PBA) with stent placement.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Biosis Previews between 1970 and December 2011 and performed meta-analysis of short-term (procedural success, complications) and long-term outcomes (liver function, arterial patency, survival, re-intervention, re-transplantation). Random effects models were used for the analysis and meta-regression performed for the year of study.

RESULTS

A total of 263 liver transplants in 257 patients [age 43 (±8) years] underwent 147 PBAs and 116 stents. Transplanted livers were from deceased donors in 240 (91 %). Follow-up was 1 month to 4.5 years (median 17 months). PBA and stent had similar procedural success (89 % vs. 98 %), complications (16 % vs. 19 %), normal liver function tests (80 % vs. 68 %), arterial patency (76 % vs. 68 %), survival (80 % vs. 82 %), and requirement for re-intervention (22 % vs. 25 %) or re-transplantation (20 % vs. 24 %) (P non-significant). In the most recent studies re-transplantation was reported less compared to older series (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Both PBA and stent offer comparable results for HAS. These techniques have contributed to a recent decline in re-transplantation.

KEY POINTS

• Interventional radiological procedures are often used to treat post-transplant hepatic artery stenosis. • Meta-analysis shows that percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement are both efficacious. • Percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement appear to have similar complication rates. • Re-transplantation rates have declined, partly due to interventional management for arterial stenosis.

Repeat endovascular treatment of recurring hepatic artery stenoses in orthotopic liver transplantation

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a complication that impacts the results of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Interventional radiological techniques are important therapeutic options for HAS. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of repeated radiological treatments in recurring HAS after OLT. Of the 941 patients who underwent OLT at our center from January 1998 to September 2010, 48 (5%) were diagnosed with HAS, 37 (77%) of whom underwent transluminal interventional therapy with the placement of an endovascular stent. Success rate, complications, hepatic artery patency and follow-up were reviewed. After stent placement, artery patency was achieved in all patients. Three patients developed complications, including arterial dissection and hematoma. HAS recurrence was observed in 9 patients (24%), and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (11%). Radiological interventions were repeated 10 times in 8 patients without complications. At a median follow-up of 66 months (range 10-158), hepatic artery patency was observed in 35 cases (94.6%). The 5-year rates for graft and patient survival were 82.3% and 87.7%, respectively. Restenosis may occur in one-third of patients after endovascular treatment for thrombosis and HAS, but the long-term outcomes of iterative radiological treatment for HAS indicate a high rate of success.

Endovascular management of early hepatic artery thrombosis after living donor liver transplantation

To study the feasibility of endovascular management of early hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to clarify its role as a less invasive alternative to open surgery. A retrospective review of 360 recipients who underwent LDLT. Early HAT developed in 13 cases (3.6%). Diagnosis was performed using Doppler, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) was performed using streptokinase or tPA. In case of underlying stricture, PTA was attempted. If the artery did not recanalize, continuous infusion was performed and monitored using Doppler US. Initial surgical revascularization was successful in 2/13 cases. IAT was performed in 11/13 cases. The initial success rate was 81.8% (9/11), the failure rate was 18.2% (2/11). Rebound thrombosis developed in 33.3% (3/9). Hemorrhage developed after IAT in 2/11 cases (18.2%). Definite endovascular treatment of HAT was achieved in 6/11 cases (54.5%) and definite treatment (surgical, endovascular or combined) in 9/13 cases (69%). (Follow-up 4 months-4 years). Endovascular management of early HAT after LDLT is a feasible and reliable alternative to open surgery. It plays a role as a less invasive approach with definite endovascular treatment rate of 54.5%.

Angioplastia subintimal após trombose tardia de stent implantado em artéria hepática de fígado transplantado

Os autores relatam um caso de estenose de artéria hepática transplantada tratada com angioplastia e stent, que evoluiu para trombose completa após 30 dias do procedimento. Realizada trombólise intra-arterial e angioplastia subintimal com sucesso. Controle angiotomográfico após 90 dias demonstra perviedade da artéria hepática.

Treatment of early hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Early hepatic artery thrombosis remains one of the major causes of graft failure and mortality in liver transplant recipients. It is the most frequent severe vascular complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) accounting for >50% of all arterial complications. Most patients need to be considered for urgent liver retransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 911 OLTs in 862 from 1989 to 2011, we observed 23 cases (2.6%) of acute early hepatic artery thrombosis. Seventeen patients were qualified immediately for liver retransplantation, and 6 underwent endovascular therapies, including intra-arterial heparin infusion or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement.

RESULTS

Among patients who were assigned to early liver retransplantation, 11/17 survived with 3 succumbling due to postoperative complications, including 1 portal vein thrombosis, and 3 succumbling on the waiting list. All patients who underwent endovascular therapy survived with an excellent result obtained in 1 who underwent treatment<24 hours after arterial thrombosis. In 2 patients we achieved a satisfactory result not requiring retransplantation, but 3 patients assigned to endovascular treatment>24 hours after arterial thrombosis needed to be reassigned to liver retransplantation because of poor results of endovascular treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment efforts should be made to rescue liver grafts through urgent revascularization depending on the patient's condition and the interventional expertise at the transplant center, reserving the option of retransplantation for graft failure or severe dysfunction.

Endovascular therapy for hepatic artery stenosis and thrombosis following liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular management of steno-oclusive disease in liver transplants.

METHODS

Retrospective review of liver transplant recipients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) or thrombosis (HAT) was performed. The HAS group was treated with balloon angioplasty with selective stent placement. The HAT group was treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Primary, unassisted, and assisted patency and graft survival rates were calculated.

RESULTS

In all, 31 patients were identified (21 males; mean age, 51 years). A total of 25 of 31 (81%) patients had HAS and 6 of 31 (19%) had HAT. Collectively, a total of 35 endovascular procedures were performed to treat HAS in 25 patients. Overall technical success rate was 91%, with 11% major complication rate. Primary-assisted patency rate and graft survival at 6 and 12 months were 87% and 81%, and 76% and 72%, respectively. Only 1 successful thrombolysis of HAT was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular management is effective for HAS but not for HAT.

Risk factors associated with early hepatic artery thrombosis after orthotopic liver transplantation - univariable and multivariable analysis

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is a serious complication in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). It is associated with a high graft loss and mortality rate. In this study, possible risk factors associated with early HAT (occurring within the first postoperative month) were evaluated using univariable and multivariable analyses. Nine-hundred-and-fourteen consecutive OLTs in our institution were examined by univariable and multivariable analyses. Early HAT occurred in 43 patients (4.7%). Graft number, abnormal donor arterial anatomy, bench arterial reconstruction, aortic conduit use, multiple anastomoses, reperfusion time (interval between portal vein reperfusion and restoration of arterial flow) and the number of units of blood received intraoperatively were significantly associated with early HAT in the univariable analysis(P<0.1). These variables were included in a multivariable regression model which showed that bench arterial reconstruction was associated with a fourfold risk of early HAT(P<0.0001), whereas each additional 10min delay in reperfusion was associated with a 27% increase in the risk of early HAT (P<0.04). The main risk factors associated with early HAT are abnormal arterial anatomy in the graft requiring bench reconstruction and a delay in arterial reperfusion. Early recognition of these factors, strict surveillance protocols with arterial Doppler and selective anticoagulation for patients at risk need to be evaluated prospectively.

Endovascular treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis following liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is the most frequent vascular complication following orthotopic liver transplantation. Urgent retransplantation has been considered as the mainstay therapy. Surgical revascularization is an effective alternative in asymptomatic patients. Endovascular therapies including intra-arterial thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and stent placement have shown encouraging results in recent years; however, their use remains controversial because of potential risk of hemorrhage. Until June 2009, 69 cases were published in 16 reports describing therapeutic potential of endovascular modalities. Interventions were performed as early as within 4 h to as late as 120 days in patients ranging from 4 months to 64 years of age. Majority of published reports suggested the use of urokinase. Thrombolysis was successful in 47 out of 69 (68%) patients. Bleeding was the most common complication including fatal intra-abdominal hemorrhage in three patients. Twenty-nine out of 47 (62%) patients underwent further intervention in the form of PTA, stenting, or both. The follow-up patency ranged from 1 month to 26 months. In conclusion, whenever possible, efforts should be made to rescue the liver grafts through urgent revascularization (surgical and/or endovascular) depending on patient's condition and interventional expertise at the transplant center; reserving the option of retransplantation for failure, complications, and cases with severe clinical symptoms or allograft dysfunction.

Vascular complications of orthotopic liver transplantation: experience in more than 4,200 patients

BACKGROUND

Thromboses of the hepatic artery (HAT) and portal vein (PVT) may complicate orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and result in graft loss and mortality. Revision and retransplantation are treatment options, but their longterm outcomes remain undefined. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of major vascular complications after OLT, determine efficacy of therapies, and identify factors influencing longterm outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

All patients undergoing OLT from 1984 to 2007 were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to define the effects of vascular complications on posttransplant survival. Anastomotic revision and arterial thrombolysis were compared with retransplantation as treatment for HAT. After 2002, porta hepatis dissection was initiated with early occlusion of common hepatic artery (CHA) inflow; its impact on HAT incidence was determined.

RESULTS

From 1984 to 2007, 4,234 OLTs were performed. HAT occurred in 203 patients (5%) and PVT in 84 (2%). Graft survival was significantly reduced by HAT or PVT; patient survival was reduced only by PVT. Retransplantation for HAT improved patient survival over revision or thrombolysis in the first year but did not provide longterm survival advantage (56% versus 56% at 5 years; p=0.53). Patients with HAT had only 10% graft salvage with anastomotic revision or thrombolysis. HAT was significantly reduced with early CHA inflow occlusion (1.1% versus 3.7%; p=0.002). Factors increasing risk of HAT included pediatric recipients, liver cancer, and aberrant arterial anatomy requiring complex reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Both HAT and PVT significantly reduce graft survival after OLT; PVT more adversely affects patient survival. Revision and thrombolysis rarely salvage grafts after HAT; retransplantation provides superior short-term, but not longterm, survival. Avoidance of vascular complications in OLT is critical, especially with today's scarcity of donor livers. Early atraumatic CHA occlusion significantly reduces the incidence of HAT.

22 Levertransplantatie

In 1963 verrichtte Thomas Starzl in Denver de eerste levertransplantatie bij de mens. In 1966 werden in Nederland de eerste twee (auxiliaire, zie par. 22.3.6) levertransplantaties verricht in Leiden en Arnhem, in 1968 startte Cambridge. Helaas resulteerden de eerste levertransplantaties niet in langetermijnoverleving als gevolg van niet-optimale operatietechniek, matige immuunsuppressie en onbekendheid met complicaties.