Portal Vein Arterialization Research Articles

Portal vein arterialization in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) often involves the stump or branch of the hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV). Violated PV resection and reconstruction is currently considered a safe procedure without risks. However, HA resection and reconstruction is less common, because the reconstruction and anastomosis is more complicated and may be impossible when the artery is deeply encased by tumor. Radical resection of HCCA remains a major challenge for surgeons aiming to prolong the long-term survival of patients who have undergone such a surgical procedure. Here, we report our clinical experience with PV arterialization (PVA) in an advanced HCCA patient; PVA was achieved by anastomosing the gastroduodenal artery and the PV with an end-to-side running suture. PVA, at least in this patient, was verified as a key point during the course of the disorder between surgery and postoperative recovery. According to literature review, we can believe that this novel approach might be a useful technique to allow surgeons to guarantee a better oncological result and a better chance for long-term survival in HCCA patients.

Portal vein arterialization used in partial hepatectomy maintains liver regeneration

Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used in some hepatobiliary surgeries and the liver transplants. There is considerable debate regarding the effect of PVA on the liver regeneration. This study was to investigate the effect of PVA on the liver regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into PVA group (rats received 68% hepatectomy, right nephrectomy and PVA) and control group (rats received 68% hepatectomy and right nephrectomy) , and the serum and liver tissues were collected at designed time points. Serum ALT level was measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The proliferation of hepatocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and PCNA. TUNEL staining was done to detect the apoptosis of hepatocytes and the liver regeneration rate (LRR) was calculated. At 1, 4 and 7 days after surgery, the ALT level in the PVA group was similar to that in the control group (P>0.05), while it on day 2 was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). At 2 days after surgery, the number of Ki-67 and PCNA positive cells in the PVA group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference in the proliferation was found between two groups at other time points. The number of apoptotic cells and LRR were also similar between two groups at different time points. PVA can initiate and maintain the proliferation of hepatocytes at the early stage following partial hepatectomy in rats. Key words: Portal vein arterialization; liver regeneration; liver resection.

Effects of partial portal vein arterialization on the hilar bile duct in a rat model

Liver revascularization is frequently required during the enlarged radical operation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic artery. Researchers have carried out a number of experiments applying partial portal vein arterialization (PVA) in clinical practice. In this study we aimed to establish a theoretical basis for clinical application of partial PVA and to investigate the effects of partial PVA on rat hilar bile duct and hepatic functions. Thirty rats were randomly and equally assigned into 3 groups: control (group A), hepatic artery ligation+bile duct recanalization (group B), and partial PVA+bile duct recanalization (group C). Proliferation and apoptosis of rat hilar bile duct epithelial cells, arteriolar counts of the peribiliary plexus (PBP) of the bile duct wall, changes in serum biochemistry, and pathologic changes in the bile duct were assessed 1 month after operation. The proliferation of hilar bile duct epithelial cells in group B was greater than in groups A and C (P<0.01). No apoptotic hilar bile duct epithelial cells were detected in any of the groups. The PBP arteriolar counts of the hilar bile duct wall were similar in groups A and C (P>0.05), but the count was lower in group B than in group A (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and albumin were found in the 3 groups. The gamma-glutamyltransferase value was higher in group B than in groups A and C (P<0.01). The hepatic tissues of groups A and C showed no significant abnormality. Chronic inflammatory changes in the hilar bile duct walls were observed only in group B. Partial PVA can restore the arterial blood supply of the hilar bile duct and significantly extenuate the injury to hilar bile duct epithelial cells resulting from hepatic artery ligation.

Spontaneous portal vein arterialization in hepatic artery thrombosis

A 56-year-old male with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis nderwent liver transplantation. At transplantation the arterial nflow to the liver graft was achieved using an iliac artery conduit nastomosed to the infrarenal aorta and to the hepatic artery (HA) f the graft. By postoperative day 60 all liver function tests were normal; ubsequent Doppler testing demonstrated normal arterial inflow o the liver. Seven months later the patient was readmitted to the Hosital due to fever (39 ◦C) and elevated white blood cell count. oppler investigation failed to detect arterial flow to the graft; comuted tomography (CT) confirmed occlusion of the HA and showed ecrosis of the left lateral segment with normal appearance of the emaining liver. The patient underwent surgery and necrosis of the left lateral epatic segment was found; left lateral segmentectomy was perormed; a liver biopsy was taken from the right lobe. The arterial onduit was not patent and the exploration of its origin from the nfrarenal aorta revealed a spontaneous shunt between the inferior esenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric vein, that was clearly ulsatile (Fig. 1). Histology of the right remnant liver was normal. Despite an occluded HA, the patient is alive and well one year fter resection and his liver function tests, in particular total biliruin, gamma-GT and alkaline phosphatase are normal; ERCP shows normal biliary tree (Fig. 2).

Combination with vascular resection and reconstruction in resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

To investigate the value of vascular resection and reconstruction in resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The clinical data of 17 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma received resection in combination with vascular resection and reconstruction from January 2000 to September 2009 was retrospectively analyzed. Among the 17 patients, 6 underwent portal vein segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 3 underwent portal vein wedge resection, 1 underwent hepatic artery ligature, 2 underwent hepatic artery segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 1 underwent portal vein arterialization, 1 underwent portal vein wedge resection and hepatic artery ligature simultaneously, 2 underwent portal vein segmental resection and hepatic artery segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis simultaneously, 1 underwent portal vein segmental resection and right hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery end-to-end anastomosis simultaneously. Four patients died and the mortality was 4/17. Three patients died of renal dysfunction followed with multiple organ dysfunction and 1 patient died of sepsis shock. Among the 13 survive patients, 6 had a smooth postoperative recover and 7 developed complications: 3 had bile leakage, 1 had respiratory failure, 1 had cholangitis due to obstruction of U tube, 1 had abdominal infection and thrombosis in portal vein system and 1 had portal vein stenosis and liver abscess. Follow-up investigation showed that the median survival time was 18 months and four patients still alive. Combination of vascular resection and reconstruction in the resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma may help to improve the resection rate but still have a high postoperative risk. The complications of renal dysfunction should be alert during the postoperative observation. The procedure of hepatic arterial reconstruction may help to reduce postoperative morbidity.

Extracorporeal Portal Vein Arterialization in Man After Extended Hepatectomy to Prevent Acute Liver Failure: A Case Report

Experimental studies have shown that increasing the oxygen supply to the liver through portal vein arterialization (PVA) enhances liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Moreover, our previous study demonstrated a beneficial effect of an extracorporeal device to increase the oxygenated blood to the liver and to improve the survival rate of animals subjected to subtotal hepatectomy. Herein we have reported a case of PVA through an extracorporeal device to treat a man after extended hepatectomy leading to acute liver failure (ALF). An obese 69-year-old man (body mass index > 35) affected by multiple metastases from colorectal cancer underwent 80% liver resection; at laparotomy, a steatotic liver was evident due to adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the liver experienced 20 minutes of hepatic ischemia during the resection. At the end of resection he underwent extracorporeal PVA treatment. Blood was withdrawn from the femoral artery and returned into the portal venous system through the umbilical vein. An extracorporeal device was interposed between the outflow and inflow to monitor hemodynamic parameters. Starting from operating room each of six treatments lasted 6 hours per day. Serum and liver samples were collected daily. The extracorporeal device was dismounted at the seventh postoperative day. The postoperative course was assessed at 1 month. The PVA-extracorporeal treatment yielded beneficial effects for subtotal hepatectomy by decreasing serum ammonia, transaminases, and total bilirubin concentration. The international normalized ratio recovered rapidly, remaining significantly lower during the entire postoperative period. The ten-day postoperative period was uneventful. The patient was discharged in good health. He is alive and well at the moment. The arterial blood supply in the portal system through the umbilical vein using an extracorporeal device was easily applicable, efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. It may represent a novel approach to treat patients with potential ALF after subtotal liver resection.

Portal Vein Arterialization in Liver Transplantation: An Option to Restore Arterial Flow: A Case Report

We report a 66-year-old woman who underwent emergency orthotopic liver transplantation due to acute liver failure. The donor's liver graft displayed extensive arteriosclerosis, involving the celiac trunk and hepatic artery. Arterial revascularization of the graft could not be achieved, requiring an arterioportal shunt between the gastroduodenal artery and the portal vein of the recipient. During the early postoperative period, the patient's clinical condition and liver function tests improved rapidly; the patient was discharged on postoperative day 30. Two months later, she developed acute cholangitis. Ischemic-type stenosis of the intrahepatic biliary tree was present, so successful elective retransplantation was undertaken at the ninth postoperative month. In our experience, portal vein arterialization may be useful as a bridging therapy in extreme situations.

Vascular Complications After Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Brazilian, Single-Center Experience

Background In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), vascular complications are more frequently seen than in deceased donor transplantation. Early arterial, portal vein, or hepatic vein thromboses are complications that can lead to graft loss and patient death. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, treatment, and outcome of vascular complications after LDLT in a single Brazilian center. Methods Between December 2001 and December 2010, we performed 130 LDLT. Sixty-four recipients were children (27 weighing <10 kg). Results Nine recipients had vascular complications. Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (3.1%), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in 3 (2.3%), and hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) and hepatic arterial stenosis (HAS) in 1 (0.8%) patient each. Complications were identified by Doppler and confirmed by angiography or angiotomography. Patients with HAT were listed for retransplantation. One died before retransplant. Two children were submitted to retransplantation; one is still alive, with neurologic sequelae. One adult with HAT was retransplanted with a deceased donor graft and is doing well 58 months after surgery. Two patients with PVT died as a consequence of graft malfunction. In the other case, portal vein arterialization was performed, but patient died 11 months posttransplant. HVT was detected after cardiac reanimation and was treated with an endovascular stent. This patient died 3 months after LDLT. HAS was diagnosed after liver abscess development and was successfully treated by endovascular angioplasty. No recurrence was observed after 22 months. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 117 months. Conclusion Pediatric patients are more prone to develop vascular complications after LDLT. Long-term survival was statistically lower for recipients with vascular complications (33.3% vs 77.7%; P = .008).

Portal Vein Arterialization for Hepatic Artery Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation: A Case Report, Doppler-Ultrasound Aspects, and Review of the Literature

Portal vein arterialization (PVA) is a salvage procedure for insufficient hepatic arterial or portal vascularization. It plays a role in auxiliary and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In OLT, current indications for PVA include hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), pre-OLT or post-OLT extended splanchnic vein thrombosis, intraoperative low portal flow, and anatomic variations like the absence of portal and mesenteric veins. Out of the transplantation domain, PVA is used both in extensive surgery for malignancies of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas and in the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) due to intoxications. We describe a case of acute post-OLT HAT successfully treated with PVA as a short bridge to retransplantation. By Doppler ultrasound of clinical PVA we detected an increased intrahepatic portal flow velocity, with disappearance of the arterial spikes, a finding that needs further investigation. PVA represents a rare surgical procedure. In fact, it has been used most of all in urgent conditions or in case of abrupt vascular complications during surgery. According to the literature, PVA emerges as a salvage procedure for poor arterial or portal hepatic flow, both in OLT and in general abdominal surgery. The outcome of this procedure is unpredictable. The aim of the shunt is to gain time, awaiting the onset of collateral arterial vessels or the performance of definitive surgery. Its early thrombosis may be a catastrophic event, due to acute liver ischemia. In contrast, a late occlusion is often well tolerated. Strict surveillance is always useful because sometimes it is mandatory to embolize the arterioportal fistula to treat or to prevent the onset of portal hypertension.

The effects of portal vein arterialization and party hepatectomy to the hepatocirrhosis

Objective To investigate the effects of portal vein arterializations(PVA) on hepatocirrhosis after party hepatectomy, proved that the PVA can increase the regeneration after party hepatectomy, and improve the hepatocirrhosis. Methods The cirrhosis model dogs were allocated randomly into three groups, dogs in group A received PVA after 42％ liver resection, in group B underwent 42％ liver resection only, group C was control group. During the experiment, Before operation, we used the color Doppler senograph to measure the hemodynamic change, the blood was taken to study the alteration of liver function and we use the immunohistochemical technique to exam CD34 of specimens. Results In group A liver weight is significant higher than group B(P＜0.01).The improvement of liver function was also faster in group A. The blood flew of group A was higher than other two groups in 2 ds(P＜0.05). In group A the vascular area defined by endothelial cells that stained for CD34 was higher than two groups. Conclusion ①The portal vein arterializations improve the cirrhosis liver function after partyhepatectomy. ②The portal vein erializations increase the liver regeneration and improve the epatocirrhosis. Key words: Portal vein arterializations; Hepatocirrhosis

Single-Center Experience of 253 Portal Vein Thrombosis Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation in China

Objective We sought to review the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and surgical options for 253 patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) to assess the the impact of PVT on outcomes. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data from 2508 adult patients undergoing 2614 OLTs in our center from September 1998 to July 2007. PVT was scorded according to the operative findings and Yerdel grading of PVT. No prisoners were used as donors for this study. Results Two hundred fifty-three patients were diagnosed with PVT (10.09%): there were 104 grade I; 114, grade II; 29, grade III; and 6, grade IV PVT. Sex and previous splenectomy increased the risk for PVT. In grade I and II cases, we performed simple thrombectomy, eversion thrombectomy, or improved eversion thrombectomy (IET, innovated by our center), producing smooth postoperative recoveries with a 0% in-hospitality mortality. In grade III cases, 18 underwent successful IET. Of 11 subjects who had eversion thrombectomy, six failed, and the distal superior mesentery vein or dilated splanchnic collateral tributary had to be used as the inflow vessel in four patients, and portal vein arterialization were performed in the other two patients, all of whom experienced a smooth postoperative recovery except one who died of hepatic failure and pulmonary infection 2 weeks after the operation. The in-hospitality mortality was 3.45%. In grade IV cases, three underwent successful IET, but another three cases failed, with two of them requiring a renal vein as the inflow vessel, and other one undergoing portocaval hemitransposition, with one postoperative death due to hepatic failure and another of cancer recurrence, an in-hospitality mortality rate of 33.33%. The transfusion requirement among PVT patients was significantly higher than that in non-PVT patients (9.32 ± 3.12 U vs 6.02 ± 2.40 U; P < .01). Blood loss in PVT patients who underwent the IET technique was significantly lower than that for an eversion thrombectomy (2800.36 ± 930.52 mL vs 5700.21 ± 162.50 mL P < .05). The overall actuarial 1-year survival rate in PVT patients was similar to the controls (86.56% vs 89.40%; P > .05). Conclusion OLT was successfully performed for PVT patients. The grade of PVT decided the surgical strategy. Similar 1-year survival rates were attained between PVT patients and controls undergoing OLT.

Long-term survival after portal vein arterialization for portal vein thrombosis in orthotopic liver transplantation

Portal vein thrombosis is a relatively common finding during liver transplantation. The management of portal vein thrombosis during liver transplantation is technically demanding and ensures adequate portal flow to the liver graft. Eversion thromboendovenectomy and bypass using a patent splanchnic vein and cavoportal hemitransposition are the most often used procedures to treat portal vein thrombosis. There have been anecdotal reports of portal vein arterialization. We report a case of portal vein arterialization during orthotopic liver transplantation for decompensated cirrhosis. When thromboendovenectomy failed to restore sufficient portal flow and completion of arterial anastomosis between the recipient hepatic artery and the donor celiac trunk, a calibrated end-to-side anastomosis between the donor splenic artery and the donor portal vein was performed. With a 6-year follow-up, there are no symptoms related to portal hypertension, liver function is normal. However, an aneurismal dilatation of the portal branches has progressively developed. Calibrated portal vein arterialization is a possible option for portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation, allowing long-term patient and graft survival.

Effects of portal vein arterialization on liver regeneration in hepatocirrhosis after partial hepatectomy in dogs

Effects of portal vein arterialization on liver regeneration in hepatocirrhosis after partial hepatectomy in dogs

Portal Vein Arterialization as a Salvage Procedure During Left Hepatic Trisectionectomy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

d h c r s urgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) emains a challenge for surgeons aiming to maximize paients’ chances for longterm survival. Since 1984, it has een accepted that standard bile duct resection should be ombined with an additional major hepatic resection to btain improved oncological clearance and increase quanity and quality of survival. This aggressive approach was nitially criticized, but today a consensus exists that perorming such extended resections is the treatment of choice or HCCA.There is strong evidence of better survival when 0 resection is performed. The extended resections that nable a better oncological clearance have become achievble as a result of the major advances in surgical techniques nd preoperative and postoperative care, which have reuced morbidity and mortality after major liver resection. Recent studies suggest that portal vein resection with econstruction can increase the chance for cure in some atients with advanced HCCA who were previously hought to have inoperable disease. Because perineual invasion correlates with poorer outcomes, theoretically, esection of the hepatic artery with its nerve sheath will uarantee an even better oncological result. Arterial resecion and reconstruction can be technically problematic and ometimes unachievable, with very few cases reported in he literature. To overcome this, a recent study rom Japan by Kondo and colleagues has reported 10 cases f portal vein arterialization (PVA) after hepatic artery reection for biliary cancers, with some accompanied by mall hepatic resections. We report a case where PVA was used with good result as salvage technique during left hepatic trisectionectomy nd a second case where the same technique was used to

Extracorporeal Portal Vein Oxygenation Improves Outcome of Acute Liver Failure in Swine

Background Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has shown efficacy to treat acute liver failure (ALF) in preclinical studies. The next step is to perform large animal studies that propose a clinically acceptable method of PVA. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of PVA using an extracorporeal device to treat 2 ALF models in swine. Materials and Methods The 2 ALF swine models were carbon tetrachloride toxic ALF and subtotal hepatectomy using 8 animals per group. PVA was performed with an extracorporeal device that may be suitable for future clinical studies. Arterial blood was drawn from the iliac artery and delivered into the portal vein for a 6-hour treatment. We analyzed biochemical, blood gas, and histological parameters as well as 1-week survival rates. Results In both models, ALF was successfully achieved. Control group animals deteriorated biochemically, dropping their prothrombin times and increasing the liver enzymes. In contrast, treated animals improved with a survival rate of 75% at 7 days compared with 0% for the former group. Conclusions PVA using an extracorporeal device was feasible and effective to treat both toxic and resective ALF in swine.

Competition Between Native Liver and Graft in Auxiliary Liver Transplantation in a Rat Model

The competition between the native and the grafted liver in heterotopic auxiliary liver transplantation (HALT) with portal vein arterialization (PVA) was investigated in a rat model. The experimental groups were: HALT with flow-regulated PVA and 70% resection of a native liver and graft (n = 32; group I) versus 70% liver resection (n = 32; group II). After HALT, the weight of the native liver increased until the sixth postoperative week (431% ± 55% of the intraoperative weight), whereas, the graft weight was only 76% ± 31% of the intraoperative weight at this time. In group II, liver weight increased continuously to 529% ± 30% of the intraoperative weight after 6 weeks. On postoperative day 2, there was significantly increased proliferative hepatocellular activity in all groups. This was highest in the resected livers of group II, followed by the native livers of group I, and the grafts of group I (301 ± 126 vs 262 ± 97 vs 216 ± 31 Ki-67-positive hepatocytes/10 visual fields). However, the differences between the groups were not significant. With regard to hepatocellular apoptosis, the livers were similar among all groups and at all time points, M30-positive hepatocyte counts were ≤1/10 visual fields, which was equivalent to normal values. After HALT with flow-regulated PVA, the native liver regenerated and the graft showed atrophy, most likely caused by the lack of hepatotrophic factors in the arterialized graft portal vein blood. Regeneration of the 70% resected native liver in the presence of an arterialized heterotopic auxiliary liver graft was less pronounced than the regeneration of a 70% resected liver without HALT. Native liver regeneration seemed negatively influenced by a graft, suggesting a competition between the 2 livers.

A novel treatment of congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula

Congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula is a rare cause of portal hypertension in young children. Unlike the acquired form, which is usually isolated and can be cured by hepatic artery (HA) embolization, recurrence of portal hypertension often occurs with congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula after embolization and/or HA ligation because of early, rapid collateralization and the presence of multiple arterioportal fistula. Although long-term outcome after embolization is not known, liver transplantation has been proposed as the only option for this condition. However, portal vein and hepatic arterial anastomoses are made difficult because of the presence of portal vein arterialization and previous HA ligation, with a significantly increased risk of vascular complications. We report a case where resolution of portal hypertension has been achieved by an end-to-side portocaval shunt, to preserve the portal vein and HA for future liver transplantation, should it be required.

Portal Vein Arterialization Increases Hepatocellular Apoptosis and Inhibits Liver Regeneration

Portal vein arterialization is performed in particular situations to guarantee sufficient blood flow in the portal vein. In addition, some authors have postulated a proliferation-promoting influence of portal vein arterialization on the liver tissue. However, portal vein arterialization is an unphysiological procedure: It increases portal blood flow and blood pressure as well as oxygenation of the liver tissue. On the other hand, it reduces the influx of hepatotrophic factors from the portal venous blood. The aim of these experiments was to investigate apoptosis and proliferation of hepatocytes during various conditions of the portal perfusion. After 70% liver resection in Lewis rats, the following four experimental groups were formed differing in portal perfusion: (I) hyperperfused, nonarterialized; (II) flow-regulated, nonarterialized; (III) hyperperfused, arterialized; (IV) flow-regulated, arterialized. A warm ischemia of 30 min was kept in all groups. Portal vein arterialization of 70% reduced rat livers significantly reduced liver regeneration as shown by a significant reduction in liver weight, body weight, and liver function after 6 wk, in contrast to the group with 70% liver mass reduction and portal venous inflow of the portal vein. Furthermore, we found a significantly elevated number of apoptotic hepatocytes after portal vein arterialization. These results were independent from blood flow regulation of the arterialized portal vein, which caused no improvement of the results. Portal vein arterialization should be performed only temporarily and is clinically not recommended as a permanent option, because of the increased hepatocellular apoptosis and the very distinctive, negative long-term effects on liver weight.

Re-establishment of hepatic blood flow by portal vein arterialization and its influence on liver hemodynamics in rats with obstructive jaundice

Re-establishment of hepatic blood flow by portal vein arterialization and its influence on liver hemodynamics in rats with obstructive jaundice

Portal Vein Arterialization in Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation

We reviewed the literature reports and our personal experience on partial portal vein arterialization (PPVA) to prevent and treat acute liver failure (ALF) following major hepatobiliary surgery or another etiology. Experimental studies in rats have assessed the efficacy of PPVA in treatment of ALF induced by extended resections in normal or fatty livers or in toxic carbon-tetrachloride damage. The treated groups showed greater survival and faster recovery of liver function. Among 11 clinical cases reported in the literature, PPVA was performed in four cases to prevent and in seven cases to treat ALF. Eight patients survived, showing rapid recovery of liver function and resolution of the clinical condition. This relatively simple procedure has shown itself able to promote liver regeneration. The PPVA procedure has shown itself to be safe and simple as well as to offer a promising approach to the failing liver.