Image anatomic features of the middle hepatic artery and its relevance to living donor liver transplantation

Abstract

Objective To investigate anatomic features of the important middle hepatic artery (MHA) to guide living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).Methods 64-slice computer tomography materials from 70 cases were studied to find out the anatomic features of the MHA.Results The MHA arose at the hepatic hilum,walked outside the liver,turned medial towards the sagittal part of the left portal vein inside the umbilical fissure,and sent out branches primarily for segment 4.Fortynine of 70(70%) cases had the MHA.Among the 49 cases,there were 29(59.2%),17(34.7%),and 3(6.1%)cases who had the MHA originating respectively from the right hepatic artery(normal or replaced),the left hepatic artery (normal or replaced),and other arteries (the right anterior hepatic artery,gastroduodenal artery and proper hepatic artery).Conclusion The existence rate of the MHA is 70% high.Preoperative information about anatomic features of the MHA from each case will play asignificant role in surgical planning of LDLT. Key words: Middle hepatic artery; Multi-slice computer tomography; Living donor liver transplantation