Hepatic arterial occlusion following infusion catheter placement: recanalization using the Palmaz stent

We report two cases in which hepatic arterial occlusion developed soon after percutaneous catheter placement for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in malignant hepatic neoplasms. A replaced hepatic artery and a proper hepatic artery, respectively, became occluded in these cases. In both, because the tip of a side-holed catheter for arterial infusion was fixed in place, we performed recanalization without removing the indwelling catheter. Despite the presence of the catheter, a stent could be inserted into the occluded portion of the hepatic artery. Recanalization of the hepatic artery was achieved with stent placement, and continuation of hepatic arterial infusion became possible.