Effectivity of laser-induced thermotherapy: in vivo comparison of arterial microembolization and complete hepatic inflow occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is a promising method for local treatment of liver metastases. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of LITT on lesion size when combined with hepatic arterial microembolization or complete hepatic blood flow occlusion.


METHODS
In a porcine liver model, LITT (30 W 15 minutes) was performed with either normal (n = 12), partially interrupted (arterial microembolization via a hepatic artery catheter n = 12) or completely interrupted hepatic perfusion (Pringle's maneuver, n = 12). LITT lesions were macro- and microscopically assessed after liver dissection.


RESULTS
Hepatic inflow occlusion led to a fourfold increase in lesion volume after arterial microembolization and a ninefold increase after complete interruption (6.3. cm3 vs. 27.1 cm3 vs. 58.8 cm3, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Interrupting hepatic perfusion significantly increases lesion volumes in LITT. This beneficial effect can also be achieved in the percutaneous application mode by LITT combined with arterial microembolization via a hepatic artery catheter.
Ritz
Joerg-Peter
JP
Department of General, Vascular, and Thoracic Surgery, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany. joerg-peter.ritz@charite.de
Lehmann
Kai
K
Isbert
Christoph
C
Roggan
Andre
A
Germer
Christoph T
CT
Buhr
Heinz J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000528:radiation effects; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D013213:Starch / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013552:Swine
C083286:degradable starch microspheres; D013213:Starch