Lennart Wiman (photographer) is acknowledged for excellent video recording.

Patients provided&#160;written&#160;informed consent and the study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board at the University of Gothenburg.
1. Anesthesia
<ol>
	<li>Set up all the monitoring (ECG, blood pressure cuff) 17.</li>
	<li>Insert an epidural catheter in the lower to mid thoracic level 17.</li>
	<li>Induce anesthesia with Propofol 2 mg/kg, 150 &#181;g of Fentanyl, and Rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg through a previously inserted peripheral venous catheter.</li>
	<li>Preoxygenate and intubate the patient. Maintain anesthesia with Sevoflurane, oxygen and air 17.</li>
	<li>Insert a double lumen central venous catheter and an arterial catheter. Monitor CVP and arterial pressure 17.</li>
</ol>
2. Isolation of the Liver and Cannulation of Vessels
<ol>
	<li>Administer 100 IE/kg of heparin and give antibiotic prophylaxis (e.g., 160 mg of Trimethoprim and 800 mg of Sulfamethoxazole).</li>
	<li>Using the percutaneous Seldinger technique, place a 17 Fr catheter in the femoral vein and a 15 Fr catheter in the external jugular vein 18. Verify the positions of the catheters by fluoroscopy.</li>
	<li>Perform a laparotomy by an L-shaped incision from the xiphoid process down the midline and then extended to a right subcostal incision 19.</li>
	<li>Verify that no extra-hepatic metastases exist in the abdomen by a complete inspection and palpation.
	<ol>
		<li>If any suspicious lesions are found, verify malignancy by frozen section.</li>
		<li>Terminate the procedure if there is evidence of extrahepatic manifestation (periaortal adenopathy, abdominal metastases). Lymphadenopathy in the porta hepatis is not considered a contraindication.&#160;</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Mobilize the liver by dividing the falciform ligament, the left and right triangular ligament and the coronary ligament 19.</li>
	<li>Dissect the caval vein beginning from the renal veins up to the diaphragm with ligation of retroperitoneal tributary veins.</li>
	<li>Identify the right adrenal vein and place a vessel loop around it.</li>
	<li>Identify the right gonadal vein. Dissect it for 5-10 cm. Place a purse-string suture around the entrance to the caval vein.
	<ol>
		<li>Place a ligature distally on the gonadal vein. Using scissors, open the gonadal vein 3-5 cm from the caval vein.</li>
		<li>Insert an 18 Fr wire-reinforced catheter through the right gonadal vein and place the tip retrohepatically above the renal veins.</li>
		<li>Place a ligature around the gonadal vein to secure the position of the catheter.</li>
		<li>Verify the return of blood through the catheter. Heparinize the catheter 18.&#160;</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Dissect the hepatoduodenal ligament and visualize the common hepatic artery, the gastroduodenal artery and the proper hepatic artery.
	<ol>
		<li>Place vessel loops around the common hepatic artery and the gastrodoudenal artery.</li>
		<li>Dissect the portal vein and place a vessel loop around it.</li>
		<li>Isolate the rest of the ligament containing the common bile duct and include all of this in a vessel loop.&#160;</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Lift the gastroduodenal artery with the vessel loop. After interrupting the arterial inflow, make an incision using scissors.
	<ol>
		<li>Insert an 8-12 Fr catheter with its tip into the proper hepatic artery. Secure the position with a ligature around the gastroduodenal artery.</li>
		<li>Verify blood return in the catheter and then heparinize it 18.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Prime the perfusion system with one unit of packed erythrocytes, 100 ml of albumin (50 g/L), 100 ml of Tribonat (sodium bicarbonate), 2500 units of heparin (5,000 IE/ml) and 250 ml of crystalloids.</li>
	<li>Connect the arterial and the caval vein catheters to the perfusion system consisting of a heart lung machine equipped with a roller pump and a heater together with a venous reservoir, oxygenator and tubing systems of disposable type.</li>
	<li>Connect the femoral and external jugular catheters to the venovenous bypass pump consisting of a centrifugal pump, along with a heater unit and start bypass.</li>
	<li>Complete the isolation of the liver by tightening a Rumel tourniquet around the caval vein infrahepatically above the renal veins and clamping the caval vein suprahepatically using a Klintmalm vascular clamp.
	<ol>
		<li>Tighten a Rumel tourniquet around the common bile duct, the portal vein and the right adrenal vein and finally clamp the hepatic artery using a vascular clamp.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. The Perfusion
<ol>
	<li>Start the perfusion and manually monitor the blood level in the venous reservoir. Adjust the flow rate until a steady-state level is reached, usually a flow rate between 500-1,200 ml/min.</li>
	<li>Place thermistor probes into the right and left liver lobes and one directly into the arterial catheter.</li>
	<li>Heat the perfusate aiming at a target liver temperature of 40 oC. Keep this temperature throughout the perfusion.</li>
	<li>Place a scintillation probe over the venovenous bypass pump head.</li>
	<li>Calibrate the leakage monitoring system, by injecting a small dose of 10 MBq 99mTc-albumin (1 ml) into the systemic circulation and register the baseline activity.
	<ol>
		<li>Inject a ten-fold higher dose, 100 MBq 99mTc-albumin (1 ml), into the hepatic perfusion unit.</li>
		<li>Record any leakage from the perfusion system to the systemic circulation as an increase in activity measured by the scintillation probe.</li>
		<li>Record any leakage from the systemic circulation to the perfusion system as an increase in volume in the venous reservoir.&#160;</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>When steady-state of the flow rate is established, no leakage is present and the liver temperature has reached 40 &#176;C, inject melphalan at a dose of 1 mg/kg bodyweight into the perfusion system divided into two doses given 30 min apart.</li>
</ol>
4. End the Perfusion and Remove Catheters
<ol>
	<li>After 60 min of perfusion, empty the perfusate from the system and irrigate the liver with 1,000 ml of crystalloid.</li>
	<li>Add one unit of packed erythrocytes to the perfusion unit, infuse into the liver and then stop the perfusion.</li>
	<li>Release the Klintmalm clamp and the Rumel tourniquet from the caval vein.</li>
	<li>Release the Rumel tourniquet from the hepatoduodenal ligament.</li>
	<li>Remove the ligature from the gastroduodenal artery. Remove the catheter and ligate the vessel.</li>
	<li>Release the clamp from the hepatic artery.</li>
	<li>Remove the catheter from the gonadal vein and ligate the vessel.</li>
	<li>Stop the veno-venous bypass pump and disconnect the tubes.</li>
	<li>Close the abdomen with an uninterrupted fascial suture and then an intracutaneous skin suture.</li>
	<li>Remove the catheters in the femoral and external jugular veins and apply local pressure for 5 min.</li>
</ol>
5. Postoperative Care
<ol>
	<li>Extubate the patient and transfer to postoperative care unit for 24 hr. Keep monitoring central venous pressure and arterial blood pressure.</li>
	<li>Transfer the patient to a surgical department for a typical of 3-7 days of post-operative care.</li>
	<li>Continue with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at a dose of 5,000 IE/day for a total of 4 weeks.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Patients with metastatic uveal melanoma have few therapeutic options. Chemotherapy 6, immunotherapy 23 and targeted therapy 24 have not been able to show improved OS. For patients with few liver metastases, liver resection is an option 12. Other treatments include hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy (HIA) 9, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) 25 and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) 26.
IHP is a major an...

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, with the incidence being highest in Caucasian populations 1. Local treatment consists of enucleation or local plaque radiation therapy 2,3. Irrespective of local treatment, metastatic disease will ultimately develop in about 35-50% of the patients 4,5. The liver is the most common site of metastases and approximately 50% of the patients present with isolated liver metastases. The median overall survival (OS) for patients with liver metastases is 6-12 months 4. Several different systemic and regional treatment strategies have been explored, but survival rates have not improved 2.
Treatment with systemic chemotherapy, both single substance (Dacarbazine or Temozolomide6) or combination treatments (BOLD regimen7, gemcitabine with treosulfan 8), shows response rates of less then 10 %. Hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy (HIA) has shown a slightly higher overall response rate compared to systemic chemotherapy, but no increase in overall survival 9. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with cisplatin and carboplatin showed a partial response in 57% of patients with a median survival of 9 months10. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has shown a partial response in 62% of patients with a median survival of 7 months 11. In a study on liver resection, including 255 patients, an overall survival of 14 months was reported; in 76 of the patients where a microscopically complete resection was possible, the survival was 27 months 12.
Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a regional treatment option, originally developed by Ryan and Ausman. The rationale behind the technique is to surgically isolate and perfuse the liver with a high dose of a chemotherapeutic agent while avoiding systemic toxicity 13. In addition, concurrent hyperthermia mediates an increased uptake of the chemotherapeutic agent by changes in tumor blood flow and cellular membrane permeability 14. Complete vascular isolation is confirmed with a radioactive tracer technique using Tc-99 labeled human serum albumin 15. A retrospective phase II study has shown a potential survival benefit of 14 months (26 vs. 12 months) for patients that underwent IHP compared to the longest survivors with uveal melanoma liver metastases in Sweden 16.
Here we present the technique of IHP with a short review of current results and future perspectives.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Wire re-inforced catethers</td>
			<td>Medtronic Inc, Minnesota, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>12-18Fr</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>St&#246;ckert S5</td>
			<td>Sorin Group, Mirandola, Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Heart-lung machine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotaflow</td>
			<td>Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Centrifugal pump</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HU 35</td>
			<td>Maquet cardiopulmonary AG, Hirrlingen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Heater unit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexbumin 200 g/l</td>
			<td>Baxter Medical AB, Kista, Sweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tribonat</td>
			<td>Fresenius Kabi AB, Uppsala, Sweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin LEO, 5000 IE/ml</td>
			<td>LEO Pharma AB, Sweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ringer Acetate</td>
			<td>Baxter Medical AB, Kista, Sweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vasculosis</td>
			<td>Cis-Bio International, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>99mTc-albumin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MedicView</td>
			<td>SystemData AB, Gothenburg, Sweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Leakage monitoring system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alkeran</td>
			<td>Aspen Europe GmbH, Bad Oldesloe, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>melphalan</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolated hepatic perfusion as a treatment for liver metastases of uveal melanoma

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic agent melphalan. Briefly, the procedure starts with the setup of a percutaneous veno-venous bypass from the femoral vein to the external jugular vein. Via a laparotomy, catheters are then inserted into the proper hepatic artery and the caval vein. The portal vein and the caval vein, both supra- and infrahepatically, are then clamped. The arterial and venous catheters are connected to a heart lung machine and the liver is perfused with melphalan (1 mg/kg body weight) for 60 min. This way it is possible to locally perfuse the liver with a high dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, without leakage to the systemic circulation.
In previous studies including patients with isolated liver metastases of uveal melanoma, an overall response rate of 33-100% and a median survival between 9 and 13 months, have been reported. The aim of this protocol is to give a clear description of how to perform the procedure and to discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

An initial report included 22 patients treated with melphalan with or without TNF-alpha. The results showed an overall response rate of 62%, including two patients with CR (10%), and a median overall survival of 11 months 20. A subsequent study reported on the outcome of 29 consecutive patients treated using melphalan alone. The outcome was very similar with a 62% overall response including 10% complete response and a median survival of 12 months 21.
In a study by Rizell ...

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Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Here, we present a protocol how to perform an isolated liver perfusion (IHP) with melphalan and we also discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic ...

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13.3K Views.  Institute of Clinical Sciences. Here, we present a protocol how to perform an isolated liver perfusion (IHP) with melphalan and we also discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Video: Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Surgical Procedures for a Rat Model of Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as studies on graft preservation and ischemia-reperfusion injury 1,2, immunological responses 3,4, hemodynamics 5,6, and small-for-size syndrome 7. The rat OLT is among the most difficult animal models in experimental surgery and demands advanced microsurgical skills that take a long time to learn. Consequently, the use of this model has been limited. Since the reliability and reproducibility of results are key components of the experiments in which such complex animal models are used, it is essential for surgeons who are involved in rat OLT to be trained in well-standardized and sophisticated procedures for this model.
While various techniques and modifications of OLT in rats have been reported 8 since the first model was described by Lee et al. 9 in 1973, the elimination of the hepatic arterial reconstruction 10 and the introduction of the cuff anastomosis technique by Kamada et al. 11 were a major advancement in this model, because they simplified the reconstruction procedures to a great degree. In the model by Kamada et al., the hepatic rearterialization was also eliminated. Since rats could survive without hepatic arterial flow after liver transplantation, there was considerable controversy over the value of hepatic arterialization. However, the physiological superiority of the arterialized model has been increasingly acknowledged, especially in terms of preserving the bile duct system 8,12 and the liver integrity 8,13,14.
In this article, we present detailed surgical procedures for a rat model of OLT with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft after ex vivo liver resection. The reconstruction procedures for each vessel and the bile duct are performed by the following methods: a 7-0 polypropylene continuous suture for the supra- and infrahepatic vena cava; a cuff technique for the portal vein; and a stent technique for the hepatic artery and the bile duct.

Orthotopic liver transplantation in rats is an indispensable experimental model for biomedical research. Here we present our surgical procedures for orthotopic rat liver transplantation with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as ...

A Preclinical Murine Model of Hepatic Metastases

Numerous murine models have been developed to study human cancers and advance the understanding of cancer treatment and development. Here, a preclinical, murine pancreatic tumor model of hepatic metastases via a hemispleen injection of syngeneic murine pancreatic tumor cells is described. This model mimics many of the clinical conditions in patients with metastatic disease to the liver. Mice consistently develop metastases in the liver allowing for investigation of the metastatic process, experimental therapy testing, and tumor immunology research.

A preclinical, murine model of hepatic metastases performed via a hemispleen injection technique.

Numerous murine models have been developed to study human cancers and advance the understanding of cancer treatment and development. Here, a preclinical, ...

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Here we outline the protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Technicians used a neuronavigation system to process patient MRIs to generate a 3-dimensional head model. The head model was subsequently used to identify patient-specific stimulatory targets. The dmPFC was stimulated daily for 20 sessions. Stimulation intensity was titrated to address scalp pain associated with rTMS. Weekly assessments were conducted on the patients using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HamD17) and Beck Depression Index II (BDI-II). Treatment-resistant MDD patients achieved significant improvements on both HAMD and BDI-II. Of note, angled, double-cone coil rTMS at 120% resting motor threshold allows for optimal stimulation of deeper midline prefrontal regions, which results in a possible therapeutic application for MDD. One major limitation of the rTMS field is the heterogeneity of treatment parameters across studies, including duty cycle, number of pulses per session and intensity. Further work should be done to clarify the effect of stimulation parameters on outcome. Future dmPFC-rTMS work should include sham-controlled studies to confirm its clinical efficacy in MDD.

Here we outline the procedure for MRI-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex as an experimental treatment for major depressive disorder.

Here we outline the protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsal medial ...

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver

Unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer can be treated with systemic chemotherapy, aiming to limit the disease, extend survival or turn unresectable metastases into resectable ones. Some patients however, suffer from side effects or progression under systemic treatment. For patients with metastasized uveal melanoma there are no standard systemic therapy options. For patients without extrahepatic disease, isolated liver perfusion (IHP) may enable local disease control with limited systemic side effects. Previously, this was performed during open surgery with satisfying results, but morbidity and mortality related to the open procedure, prohibited a widespread application. Therefore, percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) with simultaneous chemofiltration was developed. Besides decreasing morbidity and mortality, this procedure can be repeated, hopefully leading to a higher response rate and improved survival (by local control of disease). During PHP, catheters are placed in the proper hepatic artery, to infuse the chemotherapeutic agent, and in the inferior caval vein to aspirate the chemosaturated blood returning through the hepatic veins. The caval vein catheter is a double balloon catheter that prohibits leakage into the systemic circulation. The blood returning from the hepatic veins is aspirated through the catheter fenestrations and then perfused through an extra-corporeal filtration system. After filtration, the blood is returned to the patient by a third catheter in the right internal jugular vein. During PHP a high dose of melphalan is infused into the liver, which is toxic and would lead to life threatening complications when administered systemically. Because of the significant hemodynamic instability resulting from the combination of caval vein occlusion and chemofiltration, hemodynamic monitoring and hemodynamic support is of paramount importance during this complex procedure.

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion PHP with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver

In this manuscript, we describe percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion with simultaneous chemofiltration as treatment for unresectable liver metastases. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in the angiosuite by an experienced team, consisting of an interventional radiologist, a clinical perfusionist and anaesthesiologist.

Unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer can be treated with systemic chemotherapy, aiming to limit the disease, extend survival or turn ...

Generation of a Humanized Mouse Liver Using Human Hepatic Stem Cells

A novel animal model involving chimeric mice with humanized livers established via human hepatocyte transplantation has been developed. These mice, in which the liver has been repopulated with functional human hepatocytes, could serve as a useful tool for investigating human hepatic cell biology, drug metabolism, and other preclinical applications. One of the key factors required for successful transplantation of human hepatocytes into mice is the elimination of the endogenous hepatocytes to prevent competition with the human cells and provide a suitable space and microenvironment for promoting human donor cell expansion and differentiation. To date, two major liver injury mouse models utilizing fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) and uroplasminogen activator (uPA) mice have been established. However, Fah mice are used mainly with mature hepatocytes and the application of the uPA model is limited by decreased breeding. To overcome these limitations, Alb-toxin receptor mediated cell knockout (TRECK)/SCID mice were used for in vivo differentiation of immature human hepatocytes and humanized liver generation. Human hepatic stem cells (HpSCs) successfully repopulated the livers of Alb-TRECK/SCID mice that had developed lethal fulminant hepatic failure following diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment. This model of a humanized liver in Alb-TRECK/SCID mice will have functional applications in studies involving drug metabolism and drug-drug interactions and will promote other in vivo and in vitro studies.

Here, we present a novel humanized mouse liver model generated in Alb-toxin receptor mediated cell knockout (TRECK)/SCID mice following the transplantation of immature and expandable human hepatic stem cells.

A novel animal model involving chimeric mice with humanized livers established via human hepatocyte transplantation has been developed. These mice, in ...

Method of Direct Segmental Intra-hepatic Delivery Using a Rat Liver Hilar Clamp Model

Major hepatic surgery with inflow occlusion, and liver transplantation, necessitate a period of warm ischemia, and a period of reperfusion leading to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury with myriad negative consequences. Potential I/R injury in marginal organs destined for liver transplantation contributes to the current donor shortage secondary to a decreased organ utilization rate. A significant need exists to explore hepatic I/R injury in order to mediate its impact on graft function in transplantation. Rat liver hilar clamp models are used to investigate the impact of different molecules on hepatic I/R injury. Depending on the model, these molecules have been delivered using inhalation, epidural infusion, intraperitoneal injection, intravenous administration or injection into the peripheral superior mesenteric vein. A rat liver hilar clamp model has been developed for use in studying the impact of pharmacologic molecules in ameliorating I/R injury. The described model for rat liver hilar clamp includes direct cannulation of the portal supply to the ischemic hepatic segment via a side branch of the portal vein, allowing for direct segmental hepatic delivery. Our approach is to induce ischemia in the left lateral and median lobes for 60 min, during which time the substance under study is infused. In this case, pegylated-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), a free radical scavenger, is infused directly into the ischemic segment. This series of experiments demonstrates that infusion of PEG-SOD is protective against hepatic I/R injury. Advantages of this approach include direct injection of the molecule into the ischemic segment with consequent decrease in volume of distribution and reduction in systemic side effects.

A unique rat liver hilar clamp model was developed for studying the impact of pharmacologic molecules in ameliorating ischemia-reperfusion injury. This model includes direct cannulation of the portal supply to the ischemic liver segment via a branch of the portal vein, allowing for direct hepatic delivery.

Major hepatic surgery with inflow occlusion, and liver transplantation, necessitate a period of warm ischemia, and a period of reperfusion leading to ...

Treatment of Liver Metastases Using an Internal Target Volume Method for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

The prognosis of patients with metastatic cancers has improved in the past decades due to effective chemotherapy and oligometastatic surgery. For inoperable patients, local ablation therapies, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), can provide effective local tumor control with minimal toxicity. Because of its high precision and accuracy, SBRT delivers a higher radiation dose per fraction, is more effective, and targets smaller irradiation volumes than does conventional radiotherapy. In addition, steep dose gradients from target lesions to surrounding normal tissues are achieved using SBRT; thus, SBRT provides more effective tumor control and exhibits fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy. The use of SBRT is prevalent for treating intracranial lesions (known as stereotactic radiosurgery); however, it is now also used for treating spinal and adrenal metastases. Because of advancements in image-guided assistance and respiratory motion management, several studies have investigated the use of SBRT for treating lung or liver tumors, which move as a patient breathes. The results of these studies have suggested that SBRT favorably controls tumors in the case of moving lesions.
Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) with an abdominal compressor (AC) is clinically convenient for effective respiratory motion management. Because this method is noninvasive and allows free breathing, its use reduces complications. Furthermore, patients consider this method convenient. Moreover, it is considered more efficient than other methods of respiratory motion management by physicians and therapists. The use of 4D-CT with an AC for treating pulmonary lesions has also been widely investigated, and the technique is gaining acceptance for treating hepatic lesions. However, the protocols for using 4D-CT with an AC for treating hepatic lesions are different from those used for treating pulmonary lesions. In this article, we describe a new protocol for SBRT with 4D-CT and an AC for treating liver metastases.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) requires rigorous accuracy and precision for delivering high radiation doses per fraction to small treatment volumes to improve tumor control and simultaneously reduce toxicity. Herein, we present a noninvasive and clinically convenient respiratory motion management protocol for SBRT for liver metastases.

The prognosis of patients with metastatic cancers has improved in the past decades due to effective chemotherapy and oligometastatic surgery. For ...

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been introduced as a method to evaluate and modify organ function. NEVLP has many advantages in comparison to hypothermic and subnormothermic perfusion including reduced preservation injury, restoration of normal organ function under physiologic conditions, assessment of organ performance, and as a platform for organ repair, remodeling, and modification. Both murine and porcine NEVLP models have been described. We demonstrate a rat model of NEVLP and use this model to show one of its important applications &#8212; the use of a therapeutic molecule added to liver perfusate. Catalase is an endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and has been demonstrated to decrease ischemia-reperfusion in the eye, brain, and lung. Pegylation has been shown to target catalase to the endothelium. Here, we added pegylated-catalase (PEG-CAT) to the base perfusate and demonstrated its ability to mitigate liver preservation injury. An advantage of our rodent NEVLP model is that it is inexpensive in comparison to larger animal models. A limitation of this study is that it does not currently include post-perfusion liver transplantation. Therefore, prediction of the function of the organ post-transplantation cannot be made with certainty. However, the rat liver transplant model is well established and certainly could be used in conjunction with this model. In conclusion, we have demonstrated an inexpensive, simple, easily replicable NEVLP model using rats. Applications of this model can include testing novel perfusates and perfusate additives, testing software designed for organ evaluation, and experiments designed to repair organs.

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant liver donor shortage, and criteria for liver donors have been expanded. Normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been developed to evaluate and modify organ function. This study demonstrates a rat model of NEVLP and tests the ability of pegylated-catalase, to mitigate liver preservation injury.

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, ...

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Here we provide a detailed protocol describing the clinical procedure of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in patients with advanced chronic liver disease followed by an instruction for transjugular biopsy. Under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance, a catheter introducer sheath is placed in the right internal jugular vein. Using&#160;fluoroscopic guidance, a balloon catheter is advanced into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and inserted into a large hepatic vein. Correct and sufficient wedge position of the catheter is ensured by injecting contrast media while the balloon is blocking the outflow of the cannulated hepatic vein. After calibrating the external pressure transducer, continuous pressure recordings are obtained with triplicate recordings of the wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) and free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP). The difference between FHVP and WHVP is referred to as HVPG, with values &#8805;10 mm Hg indicating clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). Before removing the catheter, pressure readings obtained in the IVC at the same level, as well as the right atrial pressure are recorded.
Finally, a transjugular liver biopsy can be obtained via the same vascular route. Different systems are available; however, core biopsy needles are preferred over aspiration needles, especially for cirrhotic livers. Again, under fluoroscopic guidance a biopsy needle introducer sheath is advanced into an hepatic vein. Next, the transjugular biopsy needle is gently advanced through the introducer sheath: (i) in case of aspiration biopsy, the needle is advanced into the liver parenchyma under aspiration and then removed quickly, or (ii) in case of a core biopsy, the cutting-mechanism is triggered inside the parenchyma. Several separate passages can be safely performed to obtain sufficient liver specimens via transjugular biopsy. In experienced hands, the combination of these procedures takes about 30-45 min.

Here, we present a protocol for measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG),the gold standard to diagnose clinically significant portal hypertension. Moreover, we describe how to perform a transjugular liver biopsy within the same session.

Here we provide a detailed protocol describing the clinical procedure of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in patients with advanced ...

Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an Ex Vivo Model of Liver Biology

Understanding the mechanisms of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis that underlie chronic liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic liver disease, and liver cancer) requires experimental manipulation of animal models and in vitro cell cultures. Both techniques have limitations, such as the requirement of large numbers of animals for in vivo manipulation. However, in vitro cell cultures do not reproduce the structure and function of the multicellular hepatic environment. The use of precision-cut liver slices is a technique in which uniform slices of viable mouse liver are maintained in laboratory tissue culture for experimental manipulation. This technique occupies an experimental niche that exists between animal studies and in vitro cell culture methods. The presented protocol describes a straightforward and reliable method to isolate and culture precision-cut liver slices from mice. As an application of this technique, ex vivo liver slices are treated with bile acids to simulate cholestatic liver injury and ultimately assess the mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis.

This protocol provides a simple and reliable method for the production of viable precision-cut liver slices from mice. The ex vivo tissue samples can be maintained under laboratory tissue culture conditions for multiple days, providing a flexible model to examine liver pathobiology.

Understanding the mechanisms of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis that underlie chronic liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic ...