Principles of Liver Embolization

The basic principles of embolization can be widely applied to many applications in patients with hepatic malignancies, ranging from direct tumor devascularization, flow redistribution, and induction of preoperative liver hypertrophy. Tumor devascularization using the transarterial hepatic approach relies on the knowledge that liver tumors derive their blood supply primarily from the hepatic arterial system. Portal vein embolization has become a key intervention to address the increased perioperative risks of hepatic dysfunction and hepatic insufficiency. This technique is a safe and viable means of causing hypertrophy of the intended future liver remnant. The use of this novel procedure has ultimately led to a reduction in morbidity and mortality and increased the number of patients considered for liver resection.