Use of hepatic lines: their journey from percutaneous to implantable

Hepatic arterial infusions have been performed since the early 1980s, primarily for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer, but also for metastatic (hepatic) colorectal carcinoma. The goal is to infuse chemotherapy directly into the hepatic artery, thereby providing high concentration of the drug to the tumor while limiting systemic side effects. This article explores the evolution of hepatic arterial catheters and delivery systems over the past 20 years. Anatomy and physiology is briefly reviewed and the history of hepatic catheters is presented along with their placement, care, and complications.