Dye-injection method for placement of an infusion catheter in regional hepatic chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of a dye-injection method in the placement of an infusion catheter and port via proximal branches of the axillary artery for hepatic infusion chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixteen patients with surgically unresectable hepatic cancer underwent transfemoral hepatic arteriography. Then a 3-F coaxial catheter was inserted into a proximal branch of the left axillary artery. Dye injected through the coaxial catheter during the surgical procedure improved the visualization of the target branch. The coaxial catheter was also used as a guide for retrograde insertion through the target branch of an infusion catheter into the descending aorta.

RESULTS

In 13 of 16 patients (81%), catheterization was successful without exposure of the axillary artery. In these patients, the acromial-deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery was chosen as the target.

CONCLUSION

Injection of dye simplifies the surgical procedure for placement of a hepatic infusion catheter via proximal branches of the axillary artery. The depth and extent of incisions, as well as the risk of nerve injury, are reduced.