Magnetic resonance venography in liver bipartition procedures using preservation solution as contrast agent

To evaluate whether the hepatic veins can be visualized with a rapid noninvasive technique, and if so, whether the obtained images could be helpful in the preparation of split liver grafts for transplantation, six cold stored human donor livers were investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hepatic vein branches and their confluence were clearly visualized. Anatomic variations of the middle hepatic vein with consequences for the choice of the transection plane could be demonstrated. Furthermore, unexpected vascular abnormalities were detected. From these preliminary results it is concluded that visualization of the hepatic veins can be helpful in determining the feasibility of the bipartition procedure and the choice of the transection plane. A potential wide application of this fast and noninvasive technique is possible.