Continuous hepatic artery infusion with an implantable pump: problems with hepatic artery anomalies

The implantable pump for continuous hepatic artery chemotherapy requires even distribution of the chemotherapy to the whole liver for maximum efficacy. The hepatic arterial supply and its anomalies must be understood to achieve this. We reviewed the arteriograms of 100 patients who were potentially arterial perfusion candidates. Fifty percent had normal hepatic arterial anatomy. Twenty percent had a replaced or accessory right hepatic artery and 17% had an accessory or replaced left hepatic artery. The methods used to implant the pump catheters in these anomalous situations were reviewed. The use of dual catheter pumps for arterial anomalies has necessitated extended operative time and increased the risk of uneven hepatic perfusion. Catheterization of the portal vein, which is technically simpler, deserves consideration as an alternative in the presence of an aberrant arterial system.