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

Abstract

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.