[Balloon-occluded ethanol ablation therapy: (BEAT) for hepatocellular carcinoma]

To obtain simultaneous embolization of feeding arteries and portal veins in the hepatocellular carcinoma, we performed a new treatment, balloon occluded ethanol ablation therapy (BEAT), in 7 patients. A Balloon catheter was inserted into the hepatic vein draining the tumor bearing segment of the liver. During occlusion of the hepatic vein by balloon catheter, an absolute ethanol-Lipiodol emulsion was injected through a microcatheter or a microballoon catheter placed in the feeding artery. There were no major side effects. Histological examination of the specimen taken from one case showed complete necrosis of the tumor and accumulation of Lipiodol within the portal veins of the surrounding tissue.