Intraarterial chemotherapy of liver metastases: implantation of a microcatheter-port system with use of modified fixed catheter tip technique

Techniques and status of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for primary hepatobiliary cancers

Primary hepatobiliary cancers (PHCs), which mainly include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers (BTCs), are mostly diagnosed in the advanced stage and are not candidates for curative surgery or ablation, resulting in a dismal prognosis. Targeted therapies with or without programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors have been incorporated into first-line treatments for advanced HCC. Systemic chemotherapy is still the mainstay treatment for advanced BTCs, and combining it with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has resulted in prolonged patient survival. Intra-arterial therapies, including trans-arterial chemoembolization, selective internal radiation therapy, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), have been explored and used for advanced hepatobiliary cancers for many years with positive results, particularly when combined with systemic treatments. Recently, an increasing number of phase II/III trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of HAIC for the treatment of advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis and/or a large tumor burden, for the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of HCC with high-risk factors, and for treating advanced intrahepatic and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, the techniques and regimens used for HAIC are diverse and differ greatly between various regions and centers worldwide. This review focuses on these diverse techniques and regimens, as well as the updated evidence on HAIC regarding the treatment of PHCs.

Embolisation Using Microvascular Plugs for Peripheral Applications: Technical Results and Mid-Term Outcomes

The Micro Vascular Plug® (MVP, Medtronic) is a mechanical embolic agent available in small sizes that allows for distal embolisation. The objective of this retrospective observational single-centre study was to assess MVP embolisation procedures performed at a university hospital. The 33 patients who underwent MVP embolisation in 2021 were included (mean age, 64; 24 males and 9 females). The primary endpoint was technical success, which was defined as a full first-attempt occlusion with one or more MVPs, as documented on the end-of-procedure angiogram. In all patients, 51 MVPs were used overall, with other embolic agents in 23 of the 33 cases (usually coils and/or glue); 22 of the 33 procedures were emergent for bleeding and 11 were planned for other indications. Of the three technical failures, two were due to an angled target artery configuration precluding microcatheterisation and one to failure of the device to release from its wire. The technical success rate was thus 90.9%. No patient experienced MVP migration or other major complications. Five patients had recurrent clinical symptoms; in four cases, the cause was collateral development, and in one case, the cause was incomplete initial embolisation. No instances of recanalisation were documented during the short follow-up of 12 months, for a 100% secondary clinical success rate. At our tertiary-level centre, the MVP was both effective and safe for peripheral applications. Interventional radiologists should be conversant with the techniques and indications of MVP embolisation.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy with a Port System Proposed by the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology and Japanese Society of Implantable Port Assisted Treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death both in Japan and globally. In the advanced stage, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is one of the most commonly used treatment options for liver cancer in Japan, and implantation of a catheter system (called a port system) in the body is a treatment method that has evolved mainly in Japan. The Guideline Committee of the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology and the Japanese Society of Implantable Port Assisted Treatment jointly published clinical practice guidelines for HAIC with a port system to ensure its appropriate and safe performance in Japanese in 2018. We have written an updated English version of the guidelines with the aim of making this treatment widely known to experts globally. In this article, the evidence, method, indication, treatment regimen, and maintenance of the system are summarized.

Percutaneous Implantation of a Microcatheter-Port System for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy of Unresectable Liver Tumors: Technical Feasibility, Functionality, and Complications

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneously implanted arterial port catheter systems for hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAI) in patients with unresectable liver malignancies. From October 2010 to August 2018, arterial port catheters for HAI were percutaneously implanted in 43 patients with unresectable liver malignancies. Three different catheter placement techniques were compared: a conventional end-hole catheter placed in the common hepatic artery (technique 1, n = 16), a side-hole catheter with the tip fixed in the gastroduodenal artery (technique 2, n = 18), and a long-tapered side-hole catheter with the tip inserted distally in a segmental hepatic artery (technique 3, n = 6). Catheter implantation was successful in 40 (93%) of the 43 patients. Complications related to catheter placement were observed in 10 (23%) patients; 5 (83%) of the 6 major complications were resolved, as well as all 4 minor complications. Catheter migration and occlusion occurred in 9 (22.5%) patients. Catheter migration was more frequent with technique 1 (n = 6) than with technique 2 (n = 1), although the difference was not significant (p = 0.066). Percutaneous arterial port catheter implantation for HAI is highly feasible and carries a low risk of complications.

Evaluation of percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation of side-hole port-catheter system with coil only fixed-catheter-tip for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Background

The technique for arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is not standardized which limits its widely application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functionality and complications of port-catheter system using percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation with coil only fixed-catheter-tip method.

Methods

From January 2013 to January 2017, 205 consecutive patients (138 men; aged 28–88 years; mean, 59.1 ± 11.2 years) with unresectable malignant liver tumors underwent percutaneous implantation of side-hole infusion port-catheter into hepatic artery using coil only fixed-catheter-tip method via the unilateral femoral artery. Technical success, procedure time, duration of port functionality, and complications of port dysfunction were investigated.

Results

Implantation technical success was 98.5% and the procedure time was 59.1 ± 10.2 min. Predictable functionality of the port-catheter system at 6-, 12-, and 24 months were 97.5, 89.9, 70.5%, respectively. Complications of port irreversible dysfunction were hepatic artery obstruction (4.0%), catheter occlusion (3.5%), and catheter dislocation (0.5%). Median 5 HAIC cycles (range: 1–14 cycles) were received via port.

Conclusion

Percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation of a side-hole port-catheter with coils only fixed-catheter-tip method is a simple and feasible interventional technique for HAIC which offers long-term functionality.

Side-Hole Catheter Placement with Fixation and Embolization in Common Hepatic Artery for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy (Modified CHA-Coil Method) for Patients with Celiac Artery Stenosis or Occlusion

PURPOSE

We retrospectively assessed the feasibility of a side-hole catheter placement with fixation and embolization in the common hepatic artery (CHA) (modified CHA-coil method) for hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HAI catheter placement was attempted with modified CHA-coil method in five patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies between 2000 and 2013. The reason for using this method, the mode of catheter placement, and the duration of HAI were investigated.

RESULTS

All patients had either occlusion or stenosis of the celiac artery (CA) or CHA, and, as a result, CHA blood flow had either reversed or decreased and hepatopetal GDA flow was observed. In three patients, the proper hepatic artery was extremely short. The side-hole catheter was inserted through the left subclavian artery and was placed from CA to the right gastroepiploic artery in an anterograde manner (n = 4) and from the superior mesenteric artery to the splenic artery in a retrograde manner through GDA (n = 1). The side hole of the catheter was positioned at the proximal portion of GDA. Using a separate catheter inserted from the right femoral artery, coils were placed around the indwelling catheter of CHA to embolize CHA and to fix the catheter. Coil mislocation was not observed, and catheter placement was successful in all patients. HAI chemotherapy was administered for a median of 136 days. The catheter displacement was not observed during HAI.

CONCLUSION

The modified CHA-coil method can be used as a stable method for catheter placement when CHA is narrow or there is retrograde CHA blood flow.

Efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and systemic pegylated interferon α-2b for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is categorized into intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). The prognosis of ICC is far worse than that of ECC. In this pilot trial, the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with subcutaneous administration of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b in patients with advanced ICC was evaluated.

METHODS

The subjects were 20 advanced ICC patients treated using subcutaneous PEG-IFNα-2b (50-100 μg on day 1 of every week, for 4 weeks) and intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU (250 mg/day for 5 h on days 1-5 of every week, for 4 weeks). One treatment cycle lasted 4 weeks. Therapy was discontinued in patients with progressive disease (PD). For responses other than PD, treatment was repeated for ≥1 cycle.

RESULTS

The objective early response rate was 60.0 %. Cumulative survival rates were 71.6 % at 6 months, 53.7 % at 12 months, 28.6 % at 18 months, and 14.3 % at 24 months. Median survival time was 14.6 months. All adverse reactions were controllable by temporary suspension of treatment. Serious complications and treatment-related deaths were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy of PEG-IFNα-2b and 5-FU for advanced ICC seems not to be worse than the results of the previous studies. Furthermore, most adverse effects are transient and well tolerated. Based on the present findings, this combination therapy may be useful for patients with advanced ICC as one of the therapeutic option.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy by the fixed-catheter-tip method: retrospective comparison of percutaneous left subclavian and femoral port-catheter system implantation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the subclavian and femoral approaches to a fixed-catheter-tip method of implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with respect to complications and dysfunctions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2006 and April 2012, 153 patients (104 men, 49 women; age range, 23-82 years; mean, 65 years) with unresectable malignant liver tumors underwent percutaneous implantation of indwelling port-catheter systems by the fixed-catheter-tip method via the left subclavian or femoral artery. The success of implantation and outcome of complications were investigated and compared between these approach routes.

RESULTS

The overall technical success rate of port-catheter system implantation with the fixed-catheter-tip method was 99% (152 of 153 patients). Seventy-five patients underwent implantation with a port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery, and 77 patients via the femoral artery. Catheter dislocation occurred in 3.9% of the patients; hepatic artery obstruction, 2.6%; catheter occlusion, 3.9%; bleeding at the puncture site, 3.9%; cerebral infarction, 1.3%; and infection related to port-catheter implantation, 2.6%. No significant differences in complications and port-catheter system dysfunction between the left subclavian and femoral approaches to port-catheter system implantation with the fixed-catheter-tip method were seen in any of the parameters. In addition, cerebral infarction occurred exclusively with the left subclavian approach, whereas infection occurred exclusively with the femoral approach.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of the port-catheter system with the fixed-catheter-tip method is equally feasible via both the left subclavian and the femoral approaches.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with a coaxial reservoir system using a non-braided spiral tip microcatheter

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a coaxial reservoir system with a non-braided spiral tip microcatheter and exclusive port for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro evaluation included evaluation of pressure tolerance/flow rate of the coaxial reservoir system, and the strength of connection between the 2.7-F catheter and port. Due to the difficulty of implanting conventional reservoirs, coaxial reservoirs were implanted via the femoral artery of 80 patients. We implanted a non-braided 2.7-F microcatheter with a spiral shaped tip, 5-F catheter, and a port. Clinical assessment included evaluation of technical success and complications.

RESULTS

In vitro evaluation of the coaxial reservoir at its maximum pressure load showed that flow rates for 300 mg I/mL iopamidol contrast medium were 0.25 ± 0.04 mL/s (undiluted), 1.03 ± 0.01 mL/s (50% dilution), and 2.91 ± 0.01 mL/s (30% dilution). Connection strength between the 2.7-F catheter and port was 13.4 ± 0.57 N. Percutaneous port catheter placement was successful in all patients (100%, n = 80). Complications included hepatic arterial occlusion (10%, n = 8), catheter tip dislocation (1.3%, n = 1), and catheter occlusion (1.3%, n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

A coaxial reservoir system with a non-braided microcatheter and exclusive port is safe and effective for difficulty of implanting conventional reservoir.

Percutaneous femoral implantation of an arterial port catheter for intraarterial chemotherapy: feasibility and predictive factors of long-term functionality

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, functionality, and dysfunctions of an arterial port catheter implanted via the femoral artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2001 to May 2008, 93 consecutive patients (mean age 57 years old) with unresectable hepatic colorectal metastases were referred for intraarterial chemotherapy. The arterial port catheters were percutaneously implanted via the femoral artery. The catheter tips were placed as "free-floating" in the common hepatic artery (technique 1), "fixed" in the gastroduodenal artery (technique 2), or inserted in a segmental hepatic artery (technique 3). Embolization of the right gastric artery was always attempted.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the femoral approach was 94% (n = 88 of 93). Intraarterial chemotherapy (average 7.3 courses) was administered to 84 patients. Migration and occlusion of the catheters occurred in 12% (n = 10 of 84) and 11% (n = 9 of 84) of patients, and extrahepatic perfusion occurred in 30% (n = 25 of 84) of patients. Catheter migration occurred significantly more frequently with technique 1 (50%; n = 3 of 6) than with technique 2 (11%; n = 7 of 64; P = .03) or technique 3 (0%; n = 0 of 14; P = .02). Occurrence of gastroduodenal ulcerations was significantly lower (P = .01) when embolization of the right gastric artery was performed (8%; n = 4 of 48) than when it was not (28%; n = 11 of 36). The success rate of embolization of the right gastric artery significantly improved (P = .006) from the first half of patients treated to the second half, resulting in a significant (P = .02) decrease in the occurrence of ulcerations from 28% (n = 12 of 42) in the first half of patients treated to 7% (n = 3 of 42) in the second half.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous femoral placement of an arterial port catheter is highly feasible. Right gastric artery embolization and use of techniques 2 and 3 are good predictive factors for long-term functionality.

Combination therapy of intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil and systemic pegylated interferon α-2b for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the efficacy of combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Fifty patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis were enrolled. Of these, 21 patients were treated using subcutaneous administration of PEG-IFNα-2b and intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU (5-FU/PEG-IFN group), 12 patients were treated using intramuscular administration of IFNα-2b and intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU (5-FU/IFN group), and 17 patients received intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with lipiodol-cisplatin (CDDP) suspension (CDDP group).

RESULTS

The objective early response rate was significantly higher in the 5-FU/PEG-IFN group than in the 5-FU/IFN or CDDP groups (71.4 vs. 8.3% and 17.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Cumulative survival rates at 6 and 12 months were 83.8 and 77.8% in the 5-FU/PEG-IFN group, 60.8 and 16.2% in the 5-FU/IFN group, and 58.4 and 12.5% in the CDDP group, respectively. The cumulative survival rate was significantly higher in the 5-FU/PEG-IFN group than in the other 2 groups (P = 0.0272). Serious complications and treatment-related deaths were not observed in any of the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Although a prospective randomized controlled trial using a larger population of patients with advanced HCC is needed to evaluate combination therapy with 5-FU and PEG-IFNα-2b, this new combination therapy may be useful for patients with advanced HCC.

A simplified technique of percutaneous hepatic artery port-catheter insertion for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

Objective

We assessed the outcomes of a simplified technique for the percutaneous placement of a hepatic artery port-catheter system for chemotherapy infusion in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion.

Materials and Methods

From February 2003 to February 2008, percutaneous hepatic artery port-catheter insertion was performed in 122 patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion. The arterial access route was the common femoral artery. The tip of the catheter was wedged into the right gastroepiploic artery without an additional fixation device. A side hole was positioned at the distal common hepatic artery to allow the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into the hepatic arteries. Coil embolization was performed only to redistribute to the hepatic arteries or to prevent the inadvertent delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into extrahepatic arteries. The port chamber was created at either the supra-inguinal or infra-inguinal region.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all patients. Proper positioning of the side hole was checked before each scheduled chemotherapy session by port angiography. Catheter-related complications occurred in 19 patients (16%). Revision was achieved in 15 of 18 patients (83%).

Conclusion

This simplified method demonstrates excellent technical feasibility, an acceptable range of complications, and is hence recommended for the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis.

Clinical application of a new indwelling catheter with a side-hole and spirally arranged shape-memory alloy for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

A new indwelling catheter, G-spiral (GSP), was developed for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) by way of an implanted catheter-port system (CPS). Here we evaluated its physical properties and the outcomes of its clinical use. The GSP vessel-fixing power and its ability to follow a guidewire were determined with a vascular in vitro model, and Student t test was used to determine statistical significance (P < 0.05). A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the technical success rate and to identify the clinical complications associated with radiologic CPS implantation with GSP in 65 patients with unresectable hepatic tumors. The mean vessel-fixing power of the GSP (14.4 g) significantly differed from that of a GSP with a cut shape-memory alloy (3.3 g). The mean resistance to following the guidewire displayed by the GSP (88.5 g) was significantly less than that for a 5F W-spiral (106.3 g) or 4F Cobra-type angiographic catheter (117.8 g). The CPS was placed successfully in 64 of 65 cases (98.5%). Hepatic artery occlusion was observed in one case. Occlusion, cracking, and infection of CPS were observed in one, two, and one case, respectively. The GSP is a highly useful indwelling catheter that can be used for HAIC.

Evaluation of newly developed combination therapy of intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil and systemic pegylated interferon alpha-2b for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal venous invasion: preliminary results

AIM

Prognosis is extremely poor for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with portal invasion. The present study evaluated the efficacy of combined intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and systemic pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)alpha-2b in patients with advanced HCC.

METHODS

The subjects comprised nine HCC patients with portal vein thrombosis treated using subcutaneous administration of PEG-IFNalpha-2b (50-100 microg on day 1 of every week, for 4 weeks) and intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU (250 mg/day for 5 h on days 1-5 of every week, for 4 weeks). For four patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, oral administration of ribavirin (400-800 mg/day) was added. At the end of every cycle, response to therapy was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines.

RESULTS

Partial response (PR) was observed in seven of nine patients, with stable or progressive disease in the remaining two patients. Tumors were resectable in three patients displaying PR after treatment. Tumor markers decreased significantly after therapy. Serum HCV-RNA titers were markedly decreased and became undetectable in all patients with HCV infection. National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria: version 3.0 (NCI-CTC) grade 3 thrombocytopenia was seen in one case at the end of treatment, but was resolved with cessation of treatment. Other adverse effects were manageable.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with intra-arterial 5-FU and systemic PEG-IFNalpha-2b may be useful as a palliative treatment for patients with advanced HCC. A prospective controlled trial using a larger population of patients with advanced HCC is needed to evaluate this new combination therapy.

Evaluation of non-target arterial patency after implantation of hepatic arterial catheter using a modified implantation technique with the fixed catheter tip method

AIM

To retrospectively investigate persistent hepatofugal blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery after implantation of a port-catheter system for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using a modified fixed catheter tip method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A port-catheter system was percutaneously implanted in 150 patients (90 men and 60 women; mean age 64.6 years) with unresectable liver cancer. The persistence of blood flow beyond the end hole of the indwelling catheter via the port obtained immediately and 1-10 days after port-catheter placement was investigated using arteriography.

RESULTS

In all cases, port-catheter placement was successfully performed. In 64 (42.7%) of the 150 participants, the gastroduodenal artery was detected on arteriography just after implantation. However, arteriography obtained 1-10 days (mean 4.3 days) after implantation revealed the gastroduodenal artery in only two of the 64 participants. In these two patients, persistent blood flow disappeared spontaneously 12 and 15 days after implantation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Closure of the lumen of the distal tip of the catheter beyond the side hole most often occurs spontaneously just after implantation. However, the findings of the present study indicate that closure will occur within 15 days at the latest. This suggests that delaying chemotherapy for about 2 weeks after implantation may be advisable.

Use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate in implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with the fixed-catheter-tip method: is it necessary?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in addition to microcoils in the percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with the fixed-catheter-tip method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 166 consecutive patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer for whom a port-catheter system was percutaneously implanted with its tip fixed at the gastroduodenal artery with microcoils. In 107 patients, NBCA was also used for catheter tip fixation. We compared this group with a control cohort of 59 patients who did not receive NBCA. Outcomes, including rate of success in implantation, details of embolic agents for fixation, and occurrence of complications related to catheter placement that would prohibit continuation of chemotherapy if not corrected, were compared.

RESULTS

In all, port-catheter placement was successful. However, 38 complications occurred in 32 patients. Catheter dislocation occurred in nine. Hepatic artery obstruction or severe stenosis was seen in 10. Recanalization of a once-embolized gastroduodenal artery was found in two patients. The rate of dislocation did not differ significantly between patients in whom NBCA was and those in whom it was not used. However, hepatic artery obstruction appeared at a significantly higher rate, and recanalization of a gastroduodenal artery at a significantly lower rate, in patients in whom the catheter tip was fixed with NBCA.

CONCLUSION

The use of NBCA correlated with a higher rate of hepatic artery obstruction. The use of NBCA should not always be required in port-catheter implantation with the fixed-catheter-tip method.

Percutaneous catheter placement for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy employs a hepatic artery catheter as a conduit to achieve a high concentration of antineoplastic agents to liver tumors. Historically, this catheter placement has been performed via laparotomy. However, it may now be performed using less-invasive percutaneous image guided procedures. There are many anatomical hepatic arterial variations and complicated blood flow patterns. Various techniques are required to ensure high concentration of antineoplastic agents in liver tumors. These techniques are composed of arterial redistribution by embolization, percutaneous catheter placement applying "tip-fixation method," and evaluation and management of flow patterns that reflect drug distribution. The role of interventional radiologists in hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is to create and manage the access to achieve these objectives.

Side-hole catheter placement for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer: long-term treatment and survival benefit

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate retrospectively correlations between catheter placement methods and treatment outcomes of patients treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study involved 135 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer who underwent intrahepatic chemotherapy using catheter-port systems. Complications, treatment discontinuation, hepatic progression, and survival of patients treated with each method were evaluated retrospectively using the Kaplan-Meier method. Conventional 5-French end-hole catheter placement (n = 10) was compared with three side-hole catheter placement methods: 5-French side-hole catheter placement with a fixed catheter tip (original fixed catheter tip method, n = 77); long tapered side-hole catheter placement using a fixed catheter tip method (modified fixed catheter tip method, n = 24); and long tapered side-hole catheter inserted distally in the hepatic artery (long tapered catheter placement method, n = 24).

RESULTS

The following treatment outcomes were significantly better for patients treated using the original or modified fixed catheter tip or long tapered catheter placement method than for those treated using the conventional method, respectively: hepatic arterial patency (1 year: 76.3%, 95.0%, and 94.4% vs 38.9%; p = 0.0014, 0.0007, and 0.0006), catheter stability (1 year: 96.7%, 95.5%, and 95.2% vs 42.9%; p < 0.0001, p = 0.0003, and p = 0.0009), time to treatment discontinuation (medians: 11.7, 14.4, and 12.4 vs 3.2 months; p < 0.0001, 0.0002, and 0.0019), time to hepatic progression (medians: 14.7, 15.7, and 15.8 vs 5.5 months; p = 0.0049, 0.0141, and 0.0004), and overall survival (medians: 21.1, 22.5, and 23.1 vs 13.1 months; p = 0.0146, 0.0036, and 0.0017).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the conventional method, side-hole catheter placement methods allowed long-term intrahepatic chemotherapy and resulted in improved survival.

Clinical Utility of Coaxial Reservoir System for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To test the feasibility and clinical utility of a reservoir with coaxial catheters (a 2.9-F microcatheter and a 5-F catheter) and a port (ie, coaxial reservoir) that was developed to perform repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with unresectable liver neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The coaxial reservoir was implanted in 64 patients with unresectable liver neoplasms as a result of difficulty in implanting a conventional reservoir with a 5-F catheter. The 2.9-F microcatheter tip was inserted into the gastroduodenal artery (n = 22), pancreaticoduodenal arcade (n = 20), or peripheral hepatic artery (n = 22) through the 5-F catheter, and a side hole created in the leading end of the microcatheter was oriented toward the proper hepatic artery. Technical success was defined by implantation of the coaxial reservoir and initiation of HAIC. The study endpoint was interruption of HAIC or death. Technical success and early and delayed complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. HAIC was repeated every 1-4 weeks during the mean follow-up period of 14.1 months. Arterial infusion chemotherapy was interrupted in 17 patients (27%) as a result of hepatic arterial occlusion (16%, n = 10), catheter dislocation (3%, n = 2), catheter occlusion (3%, n = 2), wound infection (3%, n = 2), or breakage of the port (2%, n = 1). Patency rates of the hepatic artery were 96%, 82%, and 50% at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after reservoir implantation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of the coaxial reservoir is feasible, safe, and useful in expanding the indication of HAIC to patients with unresectable liver neoplasms.

Value of Micronester coils in port-catheter implantation for continuous hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with fixed catheter tip method

To retrospectively evaluate the use of Micronester coils in port-catheter implantation with the fixed catheter tip method in comparison with other previously used coils. The cohort of this study was 143 consecutive patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer for whom a port-catheter system was percutaneously implanted. In the most recent 32 patients, Micronester coils were used for catheter tip fixation. Details of embolic agents for fixation, persistent blood flow beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter, and complications were compared between cases without and with Micronester coils. In all, percutaneous port-catheter placement was successful. Mean number of coils used for fixation was 4.2 without Micronester coils vs. 2.5 with Micronester coils. N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-Lipiodol was additionally used for catheter tip fixation in 85.6% of 111 procedures without Micronester coils and in 50% of 32 using Micronester coils. The gastroduodenal artery beyond the distal end was not detected at the final examination after any procedure. Catheter dislocation occurred in five and hepatic arterial obstruction or severe stenosis in eight. The number of coils used and necessity of NBCA-Lipiodol could be decreased with usage of Micronester coils without decreasing fixation ability compared to other coils.

Temporary indwelling catheter system via the left brachial artery: evaluation in 83 patients with hepatic tumors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate retrospectively the usefulness and complications associated with a temporary indwelling catheter system through the brachial artery for patients with liver tumors.

CONCLUSION

The temporary indwelling catheter system via the left brachial artery can be used not only for CO2-enhanced sonographically guided aspiration biopsy, radiofrequency ablation, and percutaneous ethanol injection, but also for short-term hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Placement of a long tapered side-hole catheter in the hepatic artery: technical advantages, catheter stability, and arterial patency

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical advantages, safety, and efficacy of placing a catheter distally in the hepatic artery using a long tapered side-hole catheter with an implantable port for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with unresectable malignant liver tumors underwent radiologic implantation of catheter-port systems using the long tapered catheter placement method. A 2.7-French distal shaft of the catheter was inserted distally in the hepatic artery with its side hole located proximally, and a 5-French proximal shaft was placed in the aorta; the catheter tip was not fixed. Technical success, complications including catheter stability and hepatic artery patency, and tumor response were assessed and compared with the following two historical controls: 35 patients with a 5-French catheter inserted simply in the hepatic artery (conventional method), and 131 patients with a 5-French catheter, the tip of which was fixed in the gastroduodenal artery (the fixed-catheter-tip method).

RESULTS

The technical success rate using the long tapered catheter placement method was 92% (46/50 patients), whereas the feasibility of the fixed-catheter-tip method was confined to 79% of historical controls (131/166 patients). Among patients in whom the gastroduodenal artery was present, a decreased frequency of gastroduodenal artery embolization was seen using the long tapered catheter placement method (39%; 17/44 patients) compared with the conventional method (p = 0.0112) and the fixed-catheter-tip method (p < 0.0001). Cumulative stability rates of the catheter (6 months, 94.9%; 1 year, 94.9%; 2 years, 86.2%) and cumulative patency rates of the hepatic artery (6 months, 89.9%; 1 year, 89.9%; 2 years, 83.5%) were significantly higher using the long tapered catheter placement method than using the conventional method (p = 0.0208 and p = 0.0066, respectively) but were similar to those using the fixed-catheter-tip method. The time of hepatic tumor progression was significantly longer using the long tapered catheter placement method than using the conventional method (p = 0.0299) but was comparable to the time using the fixed-catheter-tip method.

CONCLUSION

The long tapered catheter placement method should find wider application in hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy because it is useful in preventing catheter dislodgment and hepatic artery occlusion.

Colorectal liver metastases: regional chemotherapy via transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic chemoperfusion: an update

Liver metastasis is one of the main problems encountered in colorectal cancer management as the liver is the most common metastatic site. Several treatment options are available, among which transarterial chemotherapy has proved effective in achieving some local tumour control, improving the quality of life through symptomatic control as well as survival time. The present paper is intended to provide an overview of the techniques, indications and results of regional chemotherapy, which comprises transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and chemoperfusion. This treatment approach has symptomatic, palliative, adjuvant and potentially curative objectives. We reviewed the studies involving TACE and chemoperfusion of colorectal liver metastases during the last few years to update the previous reviews published on this subject. The results achieved were so variable, due to the variations in patient selection criteria and regimens used between the different studies. The median survival ranged from 9 to 62 months and the morphological response ranged from 14 to 76%. Technical aspects, results, and complications of this modality will be demonstrated with a detailed analysis and comments.

Complications of transfemoral removal of percutaneous transfemorally implanted port-catheter systems

Our purpose is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the withdrawal procedure of percutaneous transfemorally implanted port-catheter systems. Thirty-seven patients (17.7%) underwent the withdrawal procedure of this port-catheter system among 209 patients. The reasons for withdrawal were as follows: termination of intra-arterial chemotherapy (n = 7), obstruction of hepatic artery (n = 5), port infection (n = 4), catheter infection (n = 4), catheter obstruction (n = 4), lower-limb palsy and pain (n = 2), exposure of the port due to skin defect (n = 2), patient's desire (n = 2), side effect of chemotherapy (n = 1), no effectiveness of chemotherapy (n = 1), hematoma at the puncture site (n = 1), duodenum perforation by the catheter (n = 1), intermittent claudication due to severe stenosis of right common iliac artery (n = 1), dissection of common hepatic artery (n = 1), and broken catheter (n = 1). In thirty-four of the 37 cases, the port-catheter system was successfully withdrawn without any complications. Clinical success rate was 91.9%. Complications occurred in three cases (8.1%), which were a pseudoaneurysm, thromboembolism of the right common iliac artery, and continuous bleeding from the subcutaneous pocket where the port system was placed for 1 month. In 15 cases, correction of the catheter tip or exchange for dislocation of the tip had to be done without withdrawal. It is not rare to withdraw port-catheter systems in cases of infection or hematoma around the system. Although withdrawal of a percutaneous transfemorally implanted port-catheter system is a relatively safe procedure, the port-catheter system should not be removed unless absolutely indicated.

Withdrawal of port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy implanted with fixed catheter tip method

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a method to withdraw port-catheter systems implanted by the fixed catheter tip method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review was conducted of 14 cases of unresectable advanced liver cancer in which it was necessary to attempt 15 withdrawals of percutaneously placed implantable port-catheter systems. Reasons for withdrawal, withdrawal success, complications, and subsequent treatment of patient were evaluated.

RESULTS

In 14 of the 15 procedures (93.3%), the port-catheter system was successfully retrieved. Because continuation of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy was necessary in 10 procedures, a second implantation was performed after withdrawal of the initial catheter. Only one complication occurred, in which the indwelling catheter was broken in the aorta during withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

When retrieval of a port-catheter system implanted with the fixed catheter tip method is necessary, withdrawal can be accomplished safely with high frequency.

A new method using J-type long sheath for implantation of indwelling catheters for trans-femoral hepatic arterial infusion

PURPOSE

For implantation of a catheter-port system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, catheterization via the femoral artery is occasionally difficult. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of a J-type long sheath, which facilitates difficult trans-femoral catheterization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We applied this technique to 15 patients for difficult trans-femoral catheterization for catheter-port system placement.

RESULTS

We successfully implanted a catheter-port system in all patients using this technique without significant complications.

CONCLUSION

We emphasize that our new technique using a J-type long sheath seems to be a reasonable option when trans-femoral catheterization is difficult.

Movement of the side hole occurring in a port-catheter system percutaneously implanted for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

The authors report a case in which catheter-related difficulties occurred with a port-catheter system implanted to perform repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinomas. The port-catheter system had been percutaneously implanted with the catheter tip fixation method, and a side hole had been created in the indwelling catheter for placement in the common hepatic artery. Four months after port-catheter placement, however, the indwelling catheter became bent at the location of the side hole in the proper hepatic artery. Subsequently, the side hole moved into the left hepatic artery, resulting in a lack of distribution of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumours in the segments of the liver supplied by the right hepatic artery. This situation was easily corrected with a simple interventional radiological method so that hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy could be resumed with sufficient distribution over the entire liver. To our knowledge, such a problem involving a port-catheter system implanted with the catheter tip fixation method and its management thereafter has not been reported in the published literature.

Management of End Hole in Placement of Port-Catheter System for Continuous Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Using the Fixed Catheter Tip Method

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to compare persistent hepatofugal blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery after implanting a port-catheter system for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using either the original or the modified fixed catheter tip method. With the original method the lumen of the catheter tip is closed with a microcoil; with the modified method it is left open. Persistent hepatofugal blood flow can induce reactive gastric or duodenal mucosal lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A port-catheter system with the catheter tip fixed to the gastroduodenal artery by embolic agents was percutaneously implanted in 156 patients (102 men, 54 women; mean age, 63.2 years) with unresectable liver cancer. In 98 patients the original method was used, and in 58 patients the modified method was used. Existence of persistent blood flow beyond the indwelling catheter tip as shown on arteriography via the port performed immediately and 2-10 days after port-catheter placement was compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

In all cases, percutaneous port-catheter placement was successfully performed. In one (1.0%) of 98 procedures involving the original method, the gastroduodenal artery was detected on arteriography just after implantation, compared with 23 (39.7%) of 58 procedures using the modified method. However, arteriography performed 2-10 days (mean, 5.02 days) after implantation detected the gastroduodenal artery in only one case.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study indicates that closure of the end hole appears to occur spontaneously shortly after implantation. Thus, such closure is not always necessary to avoid persistent hepatofugal blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery.

Catheter Redundancy in the Aortic Arch Increases the Risk of Stroke in Left Subclavian Arterial Port–Catheter Systems

PURPOSE

The stroke rate after left subclavian arterial port-catheter placement was compared in two groups: one with minimal redundancy of the catheter and one with pronounced redundancy in the aortic arch designed to minimize the likelihood of catheter dislocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-eight patients (102 men, 46 women; age range, 26-83 years; mean age, 64.3 years) with inoperable advanced liver cancers underwent percutaneous implantation of port-catheter systems via the left subclavian artery. In 33 patients, a pronounced redundancy of the catheter was intentionally looped in the aortic arch. Redundancy was intentionally avoided in the remaining 115 patients. The rates of brain infarction complications in these two groups were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS

Among the 33 patients with pronounced redundant catheter looping, brain infarctions occurred in four cases (12.1%). In contrast, brain infarctions occurred in only three of the 115 patients with minimal redundant catheter looping (2.6%). The frequency of brain infarction complications was significantly higher in the patients with pronounced redundant catheter looping in the aortic arch than in patients with minimal pronounced redundant catheter looping (P = .044, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSION

Catheter redundancy in the aortic arch increases the risk of stroke in patients undergoing implantation of port-catheter systems via a left subclavian arterial approach for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Percutaneous Femoral Catheter Placement for Long-Term Chemotherapy Infusions: Preliminary Technical Results

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of using a port-catheter system equipped with a W-spiral catheter for hepatic chemotherapy; this novel catheter does not require fixation by pericatheter embolization and can be safely withdrawn when not needed.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients (40 men and 2l women; mean age, 59 years) with advanced liver cancers (primary hepatic or biliary cancer [n = 31] and metastatic liver cancer [n = 30]) underwent percutaneous port-catheter placement with the tip of W-spiral catheter inserted into the right gastroepiploic artery and the side-hole opened at the common hepatic artery after embolization of the right gastric artery, pancreaticoduodenal arteries, or aberrant hepatic arteries. Pericatheter embolization for preventing catheter dislodgement was not performed. The technical success of port-catheter placement, clinical patency of the port-catheter system, and technical success of port-catheter removal were evaluated.

RESULTS

Percutaneous port-catheter placement using this method was successfully performed in 59 (97%) of 61 patients. Subsequently, chemotherapy was successfully performed through the port in 57 (93%) of 61 patients. Complications during and after the procedure were observed in two (3%) of 61 patients and 12 (20.7%) of 58 patients. Hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in two (3.4%) of 58 patients. The port-catheter removal and the catheter replacement were performed in eight and four patients, respectively, who wanted the procedure. It was completed successfully without any complications.

CONCLUSION

This method of implantation of a port-catheter system appeared to offer clinical advantages of safe catheter removal, femoral artery access, and an acceptable complication rate.

Evaluation of a microcatheter-arterial port system for intraarterial therapy in an animal model

A new microcatheter-arterial port system for transarterial regional therapy was evaluated in a swine model. Subclavian or femoral access was followed by superselective catheterization of target arteries (hepatic, n = 6; splenic, n = 3). A hemostatic sleeve was placed at the arterial puncture site. Implantation into the target vessel succeeded in all nine placements (100%). After animal movement, no microcatheter tip moved by more than 10 mm. A small hematoma developed at one of the subclavian insertion sites. This system holds promise for transarterial therapies for regional cancer therapy.

Hepatic arterial cannulation using the side holed catheter

BACKGROUND

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been recognized as one of the effective treatments for patients with hepatic metastatic tumor. However it is difficult to perform HAIC in the long term without complications. This report describes the laparotomic approach using the side holed catheter, which is a novel method of implanting a catheter-port system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We designed a new anti-thrombotic catheter for HAIC. This catheter is tapered from 5F (diameter of shaft) to 3.3F (diameter at tip), and a side hole is opened 7 cm from the tip of catheter. This catheter is inserted from the gastroduodenal artery to the common hepatic artery (CHA), and the tip is put in the aorta or in the splenic artery. The side hole is adjusted distal to the CHA. In our surgical department, our new catheter was inserted in four patients at the time of their abdominal surgery. The cannulation was performed successfully in all patients. In two of them, HAIC was finished without problems at 6 months after starting, and two were still treated by HAIC at 9 and 8 months after starting.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial results from a study of a new method of implanting a catheter-port system in the hepatic artery using the new tapering side hole catheter suggest that this method may enable operators to avoid complicated selective coiling and may lower the incidence of hepatic artery occlusion in patients receiving long-term HAIC.

Hepatic arterial catheterization combining interventional radiological and laparotomic approaches

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This report describes a modified method of implanting a catheter-port system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) that combines interventional radiological (IVR) and laparotomic approaches.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In patients, scheduled for HAIC and laparotomic surgery, we now employ a modified method of implanting the catheter-port system. In our method, an IVR approach is used to implant the catheter-port, and arterial occlusions are primarily carried out using a laparotomic approach. Following celiac and superior mesenteric arteriographies, a tapered microcatheter with a side hole is inserted by a catheter exchange method. The catheter tip is advanced far into the gastroepiploic artery via the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). The side hole is located at the orifice of the proper hepatic artery, and its location is confirmed by injection of contrast media. The microcatheter is connected to the port, and the port is buried in the subcutaneous pocket. During the laparotomy stage, the GDA lumen and the catheter lumen are clipped, and the right gastric artery (RGA) and all small branches supplying the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas are ligated. Among the 13 patients successfully implanted with a port-catheter system using our combined approach, no patients had hepatic artery occlusion or occlusion of the catheter system.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial results from a study of a new method of implanting a microcatheter-port system in the hepatic artery using combined IVR and laparotomic approaches suggest that this method may enable operators to avoid complicated selective coiling and may lower the incidence of hepatic artery occlusion in patients receiving long-term HAIC.

Complications After Percutaneous Transaxillary Implantation of a Catheter for Intraarterial Chemotherapy of Liver Tumors:Clinical Relevance and Management in 204 Patients

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of the study were to evaluate the complications of patients who underwent percutaneous transaxillary implantation of a permanent catheter-port system for intraarterial hepatic chemotherapy and determine their clinical relevance and specific management. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Catheter-port systems were placed in 204 patients with liver tumors (86.7% from colorectal metastases). Under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance, a 5.8-French catheter was placed in the hepatic artery and connected to a subcutaneous reservoir after embolization of the gastroduodenal and right gastric arteries. Floxuridine plus dexamethasone and systemic low-dose heparin were administered. During the follow-up period, complications were classified as clinically not significant (type 1), clinically significant not requiring interruption of intrahepatic chemotherapy (type 2), clinically significant needing temporary suppression of intrahepatic chemotherapy (type 3), and clinically significant causing permanent suppression of intrahepatic chemotherapy (type 4).

RESULTS

No complications occurred during the implantation procedures. The mean number of intrahepatic chemotherapy cycles was 8.1. The mean follow-up period was 270 days. Primary and secondary patency rates of the system were 71.6% and 91.2%, respectively. Temporary suppression of intrahepatic chemotherapy was necessary in 19.6% of the patients and definitive suppression, in 8.8%. Hepatic artery thrombosis, not recanalized by local thrombolysis, was the main cause of permanent intrahepatic chemotherapy interruption (4.4%). Catheter occlusions and cerebral complications were not observed. In 91.2% of the patients, intrahepatic chemotherapy could be completed.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous implantation of a removable and reimplantable catheter-port system for intrahepatic chemotherapy can be a safe procedure to treat unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Technical and pharmacologic complications with variable clinical relevance occurred, and various specific management strategies were necessary to reduce their incidence.

Value of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with Coils and n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for Long-term Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To assess the value of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of splanchnic arterial branches to allow continuous application of repeat hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 128 patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer, percutaneous implantation of a port catheter system and TAE of splanchnic arteries with coils and/or n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) were performed. Parameters included (a) methods selected for catheter placement; (b) embolic materials used (coils and/or NBCA, number of coils, administration rate of NBCA-iodized oil) for TAE of splanchnic arteries, details of embolized arteries, and frequency of recanalization; (c) ability to prevent gastrointestinal symptoms by avoiding inflow of anticancer drugs into extrahepatic adjacent organs and to maintain distribution of contrast agents in liver, as well as management of difficulties encountered; (d) complications related to catheter system implantation or to long-term HAIC and management of such complications; and (e) final success in performing scheduled HAIC while maintaining distribution over liver via a single route without gastrointestinal symptoms caused by inflow of anticancer drugs. Fisher exact test was used to compare recanalization rate between coil-embolized and NBCA- or NBCA-coil-embolized arteries, and frequency of heterogeneously poor distribution was compared between patients with single and those with multiple hepatic arteries.

RESULTS

Embolization was successful during first catheterization in 326 arteries and during follow-up in 10. In 119 (93.0%) of 128 patients, repeat HAIC was effective until death or the time of this writing (observation period, 2-47 months). HAIC was continued in two patients, although anticancer drugs did not distribute to all liver tumors. Arteries once embolized with coils alone spontaneously recanalized at a significantly higher rate than those with NBCA (eight of 192 vs one of 144, P =.048). Rate of heterogeneously poor distribution was significantly higher in those with two or more hepatic arteries than in those with one (seven of 17 vs nine of 111, P =.001).

CONCLUSION

TAE for various splanchnic organs is useful for efficient performance of long-term HAIC.

Micronester—A New Pushable Fibered Microcoil for Embolotherapy

A prototype 0.018 pushable fibered microcoil with an extended length of 14 cm was developed and used successfully for the first time to treat a patient with bilateral varicocele. This new coil provides immediate cross-sectional occlusion when "nested" into a densely packed coil mass. Potential uses of this new microcoil are discussed.

Withdrawal of implanted port-catheter for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with fixed catheter tip technique

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of a method developed to withdraw a port-catheter system that had been implanted with use of the fixed catheter tip technique. Withdrawal of an implanted catheter was required in four patients with advanced liver cancer in whom port-catheter systems had been implanted for performance of repeated hepatic arterial infusion. In all patients, port-catheter systems were successfully removed without complications. In conclusion, an implanted port-catheter system can be removed even when implanted with the fixed catheter tip technique.

Using n-butyl cyanoacrylate and the fixed-catheter-tip technique in percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system in patients undergoing repeated hepatic arterial chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of adding n-butyl cyanoacrylate to microcoils to fix the catheter tip in percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial-infusion chemotherapy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ninety-three patients (64 men and 29 women; age range, 38-83 years; mean age, 62.2 years) with unresectable advanced liver cancer underwent percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system with the catheter tip fixed at the gastroduodenal artery with microcoils and a mixture of n-butyl cyanoacrylate and iodized oil. The rates of successful implantation and complications closely associated with this technique and management of the complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

Percutaneous port-catheter placement was successfully performed in all patients. However, in eight patients, complications occurred: hepatic arterial obstruction (n = 5, 5.4%); catheter dislocation (n = 2, 2.2%); recanalization of the gastroduodenal artery (n = 1, 1.1%); or movement of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 1, 1.1%). In five of the eight patients with complications, hepatic arterial-infusion chemotherapy was continued either after observation of the patient to ensure that stability had been established or after treatment using comparatively easy interventional techniques. In three (3.2%) of the 93 patients, planned hepatic arterial-infusion chemotherapy could not be performed because of complications associated with the technique.

CONCLUSION

Fixation of the catheter tip in the gastroduodenal artery using a combination of microcoils and a mixture of n-butyl cyanoacrylate and iodized oil is a useful and safe technique in percutaneous port-catheter placement for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Brain infarction after percutaneous implantation of port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of brain infarction after percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. In 90 patients with inoperable liver cancer, a port-catheter system was implanted via the left subclavian artery. In 5 patients (5.6%) brain infarction occurred after port-catheter implantation. In one patient (1.1%) thrombi formed around the catheter, as confirmed by autopsy. The risk of brain infarction should be taken into consideration when a trans-left subclavian arterial access route is used for the percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.