Hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the clinical significance of hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (BIOwHAC) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS:Fifty-nine patients with HCC were divided into 3 groups based on the technique used for achieving hepatic vascular occlusion:group 1,vascular occlusion was achieved by the Pringle maneuver (n=20);group 2,by hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HVO) (n=20);and group 3,by BIOwHAC (n=19).We compared the procedures among the three groups in term of operation time,intraoperative bleeding,postoperative liver function,postoperative complications,and length of hospital stay.RESULTS:There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in age,sex,pathological diagnosis,preoperative Child's disease grade,hepatic function,and tumor size among the three groups.No intraoperative complications or deaths occurrred,and there were no significant intergroup differences (P > 0.05) in intraoperative bleeding,hepatic function change 3 and 7 d after operation,the incidence of complications,and length of hospital stay.BIOwHAC and Pringle maneuver required a significantly shorter operation time than HVO;the difference in the serum alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels before and 1 d after operation was more significant in the BIOwHAC and HVO groups than in the Pringle maneuver group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:BIOwHAC is convenient and safe;this technique causes slight hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury similar to HVO.

Improving the radiological diagnosis of hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation: Current approaches and future challenges

Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)is a devastating vascular complication following liver transplantation,requiring prompt diagnosis and rapid revascularization treatment to prevent graft loss.At present,imaging modalities such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance play crucial roles in diagnosing HAT.Although imaging techniques have improved sensitivity and specificity for HAT diagnosis,they have limitations that hinder the timely diagnosis of this complication.In this sense,the emergence of artificial intelligence(AI)presents a transformative opportunity to address these diagnostic limitations.The development of machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks has demonstrated the potential to enhance the precision diagnosis of liver transplant complications,enabling quicker and more accurate detection of HAT.This article examines the current landscape of imaging diagnostic techniques for HAT and explores the emerging role of AI in addressing future challenges in the diagnosis of HAT after liver transplant.

Abnormal splenic artery diameter/hepatic artery diameter ratio in cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension

AIM:To determine an optimal cutoff value for abnormal splenic artery diameter/proper hepatic artery diameter(S/P) ratio in cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension.METHODS:Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension(n = 770) and healthy volunteers(n = 31) underwent volumetric computed tomography threedimensional vascular reconstruction to measure the internal diameters of the splenic artery and proper hepatic artery to calculate the S/P ratio.The cutoff value for abnormal S/P ratio was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,and the prevalence of abnormal S/P ratio and associations between abnormal S/P ratio and major complications of portal hypertension were studied using logistic regression.RESULTS:The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the cutoff points for abnormal splenic artery internal diameter and S/P ratio were > 5.19 mm and > 1.40,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 74.2%,45.2%,97.1%,and 6.6%,respectively.The prevalence of an abnormal S/P ratio in the patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension was 83.4%.Patients with a higher S/P ratio had a lower risk of developing ascites [odds ratio(OR) = 0.708,95%CI:0.508-0.986,P = 0.041] and a higher risk of developing esophageal and gastric varices(OR = 1.483,95%CI:1.010-2.175,P = 0.044) and forming collateral circulation(OR = 1.518,95%CI:1.033-2.230,P = 0.034).After splenectomy,the portal venous pressure and maximum and mean portal venous flow velocities were reduced,while the flow rate and maximum and minimum flow velocities of the hepatic artery were increased(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of an abnormal S/P ratio is high in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension,and it can be used as an important marker of splanchnic hemodynamic disturbances.

First jejunal artery, an alternative graft for right hepatic artery reconstruction

Common bile duct cancer invading right hepatic artery is sometimes diagnosed intraoperatively. Excision andsafe reconstruction of the artery with suitable graft is essential. Arterial reconstruction with autologous saphenous vein graft is the preferred method practiced routinely. However the right hepatic artery reconstruction has also been carried out with several other vessels like gastroduodenal artery, right gastroepiploic artery or the splenic artery. We report a case of 63-year-old man presenting with history of progressive jaundice, pruritus and impaired appetite. Following various imaging modalities including computed tomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, intraductal ultrasound extrahepatic bile duct cancer was diagnosed; however, none of those detected vessel invasion. Intraoperatively, right hepatic artery invasion was revealed. Right hepatic artery was resected and reconstructed with a graft harvested from the first jejunal artery(JA). Postoperative outcome was satisfactory with a long-term graft patency. First JA can be a reliable graft option for right hepatic artery reconstruction.

Prediction of hepatic artery occlusion after liver transplantation by ultrasound characteristics and clinical risk factors

BACKGROUND Hepatic artery occlusion(HAO)after liver transplantation(LT)is a devastating complication,resulting in early graft loss and reduced overall survival.Ultra-sound is an established assessment method for HAO in patients following LT,especially those with complex hepatic artery reconstruction.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound characteristics and the clinic risk factors associated with HAO in 400 adult LT patients who were enrolled and treated at the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen between November 2016 and July 2022.Fourteen patients diagnosed with acute HAO(A-HAO)by surgery and fifteen diagnosed with chronic HAO(C-HAO)were included.A control group of 33 patients without HAO complications during the same period were randomly selected using a random number table.All patients underwent an ultrasono-graphy examination.Parameters including resistance index(RI),peak systolic velocity(PSV),and portal vein velocity(PVV)were compared across the groups.Additionally,basic clinical data were collected for all patients,including gender,age,primary diagnosis,D-dimer concentration,total operation time,cold ischemia time,hot ischemia time,intraoperative blood loss and transfusion,intraoperative urine volume,infusion,model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score,and whether complex hepatic artery reconstructions were performed.Furthermore,risk factors influencing HAO formation after LT were analyzed.RESULTS Compared to the non-HAO group,PVV and RI were higher in the A-HAO group,while PSV was lower.Conversely,both PSV and RI were lower in the C-HAO group compared to the non-HAO group.The proportion of patients undergoing complex hepatic artery reconstructions and the gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT)level before occlusion were significantly higher in the A-HAO group compared to the non-HAO group.However,there were no distinct differences between the two groups in D-dimer,MELD score,pre-occlusion alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels,or intraoperative conditions.CONCLUSION Ultrasound features of the hepatic artery before occlusion are significantly associated with postoperative HAO development.Additionally,complex hepatic artery reconstructions,defined as revascularization of the graft requiring additional anastomosis between donor hepatic arteries,constitute a risk factor for A-HAO.Besides,abnormal pre-occlusion GGT elevation is an important biochemical indicator.Therefore,ultrasound examination serves as an important tool for screening HAO,especially in patients with the identified risk factors.

Gastrointestinal bleeding and obstructive jaundice: Think of hepatic artery aneurysm

Hemobilia is an uncommon and potential life-threatening condition mainly due to hepato-biliary tree traumatic or iatrogenic injuries.Spontaneously ruptured aneurysm of the hepatic artery is seldom described.We report the case of an 89-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain,jaundice and gastrointestinal bleeding,whose ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a non-traumatic,spontaneous aneurysm of the right hepatic artery.The oeso-gastro-duodenoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal any bleeding at the ampulla of Vater,nor anywhere else.Selective angiography confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic artery aneurysm and revealed a full hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery.The patient was successfully treated by selective embolization of microcoils.We discuss the etiologies of hemobilia and its treatment with selective embolization,which remains favored over surgical treatment.Although aneurysm of the hepatic artery is rare,especially without trauma,a high index of suspicion is needed in order to ensure appropriate treatment.

Influence on liver function of hepatic artery interventional chemoembolization combined reduced glutathione therapy for elderly patients with advanced liver cancer

Objective:To explore the influence on liver function of hepatic artery interventional chemoembolization combined reduced glutathione therapy for elderly patients with advanced liver cancer.Methods:A total of 120 cases of elderly patients with advanced liver cancer from digestive surgery in-patient department of our hospital during the period of January 2014 and January 2016 were selected as the research object, the patients were divided into two groups by using the random number table method,each for 60 cases.The control group were given conventional drugs chemotherapy, the study group were given hepatic artery interventional chemoembolization combined reduced glutathione therapy, serum liver function indexes of Direct Bilirubin(DBil), Total Bilirubin(TBil), Aspartate Transaminase(AST) and Alanineamino Transferase (ALT)were detected by using automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: The clinical remission rate of study group was significantly higher than the control group, the recurrence rate was obviously lower than the control group,compared between the two groups with statistically significant differences. The average survival time of study group (29.36±6.25) months, was significantly longer than the control group (18.02±4.16) months .Before the treatment, serum DBil, TBil, AST and ALT levels compared between the two groups with no statistically significant differences,after the treatment,the indexes of study group was significantly lower than the control group. The indexes levels compared between pre-therapy and post-therapy in study group with no statistically significant differences, while the indexes levels of post-therapy in the control group were significantly higher than those pre-therapy. Before the treatment, the life quality score compared between the two groups with no statistically significant differences, after treatment,the score of all patients were significantly higher than those pre-therapywhich the score of study group was significantly higher than the control group.The incidence rate of drug adverse reactions compared between the two groups with no statistically significant differences.Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of hepatic artery interventional chemoembolization combined reduced glutathione therapy for elderly patients with advanced liver cancer is satisfying, and helps to significantly improve liver function, improve life quality, it is worth popularization and application in the clinical practice.

Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy using mFOLFOX versus transarterial chemoembolization for massive unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma:a prospective non.randomized study

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) is recommended as the standard care for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) stage A-B. However, the efficacy of TACE on large(> 10 cm) stage A-B HCC is far from satisfactory, and it is proposed that hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)might be a better first-line treatment of this disease. Hence, we compared the safety and efficacy of HAIC with the modified FOLFOX(mFOLFOX) regimen and those ofTACE in patients with massive unresectable HCC.Methods: A prospective, non-randomized, phase II study was conducted on patients with massive unresectable HCC. The protocol involved HAIC with the mFOLFOX regimen(oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m^2 intra-arterial infusion; leucovorin,400 mg/m^2 intra-arterial infusion; and fluorouracil, 400 mg/m2 bolus infusion and 2400 mg/m^2 continuous infusion)every 3 weeks and TACE with 50 mg of epirubicin, 50 mg of lobaplatin, 6 mg of mitomycin, and lipiodol and polyvinyl alcohol particles. The tumor responses, time-to-progression(TTP), and safety were assessed.Results: A total of 79 patients were recruited for this study: 38 in the HAIC group and 41 in the TACE group. The HAIC group exhibited higher partial response and disease control rates than did the TACE group(52.6% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001;83.8% vs. 52.5%, P = 0.004). The median TTPs for the HAIC and TACE groups were 5.87 and 3.6 months(hazard radio[HR] = 2.35,95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-4.76, P = 0.015). More patients in the HAIC group than in the TACE group underwent resection(10 vs. 3,P = 0.033). The proportions of grade 3-4 adverse events(AE) and serious adverse events(SAE) were lower in the HAIC group than in the TACE group(grade 3-4 AEs: 13 vs. 27, P = 0.007;SAEs: 6 vs. 15,p = 0.044). More patients in the TACE group than in the HAIC group had the study treatment terminated early due to intolerable treatment-related adverse events or the withdrawal of consent(10 vs. 2,P = 0.026).Conclusions: HAIC with mFOLFOX yielded significantly better treatment responses and less serious toxicity than did TACE. HAIC might represent a feasible and promising first-line treatment for patients with massive unresectable HCC.

Mesenteric Ischemia:An unusual presentation of fistula between superior mesenteric artery and common hepatic artery

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon condition associated with a high morbidity and mortality.We reported a 36-year old women with postprandial abdominal pain due to chronic mesenteric ischemia caused by a fistula between superior mesenteric and common hepatic artery.

Efficacy and safety of targeted therapy plus immunotherapy combined with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (FOLFOX) for unresectable hepatocarcinoma

BACKGROUND The advent of cutting-edge systemic therapies has driven advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and therapeutic strategies with multiple modes of delivery have been shown to be more efficacious than mono-therapy.However,the mechanisms underlying this innovative treatment modality have not been elucidated.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy of targeted therapy plus immunotherapy combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)of FOLFOX in patients with unresectable HCC.METHODS We enrolled 53 patients with unresectable HCC who received a combination of targeted therapy,immunotherapy,and HAIC of FOLFOX between December 2020 and June 2021 and assessed the efficacy and safety of the treatment regimen.RESULTS The objective response rate was 60.4%(32/53),complete response was 24.5%(13/53),partial response was 35.9%(19/53),and stable disease was 39.6%(21/53).The median duration of response and median progression-free survival were 9.1 and 13.9 months,respectively.The surgical conversion rate was 34.0%(18/53),and 1-year overall survival was 83.0%without critical complicating diseases or adverse events(AEs).CONCLUSION The regimen of HAIC of FOLFOX,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy was curative for patients with unresectable HCC,with no serious AEs and a high rate of surgical conversion.

Anticoagulation and antiplatelets as prophylaxis for hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT) is the most serious vascular complication after liver transplantation. Multiple risk factors have been identified to impact its development. Changes in haemostasis associated with end stage liver disease and the disturbance of the coagulation and anticoagulation cascades play an important role in development of this lethal complication. Early recognition and therapeutic intervention is mandatory to avoid its consequences. Pharmacological prophylaxis, by the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, is an important tool to reduce its incidence and prevent graft loss. Only a few studies have shown a clear benefit of antiplatelet agents in reducing HAT occurrence, however, these studies are limited by being retrospective and by inhomogeneous populations. The use of anticoagulants such as heparin is associated with an improvement in the outcomes mainly when used for a high-risk patients like living related liver recipients. The major concern when using these agents is the tendency to increase bleeding complications in a setting of already unstable haemostasis. Hence, monitoring of their administration and careful selection of patients to be treated are of great importance. Well-designed clinical studies are still needed to further explore their effects and to formulate proper protocols that can be implemented safely.

Camrelizumab,apatinib and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy combined with microwave ablation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and camrelizumab plus apatinib(TRIPLET protocol)is promising for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(Ad-HCC).However,the usefulness of microwave ablation(MWA)after TRIPLET is still controversial.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of TRIPLET alone(T-A)vs TRIPLET-MWA(TM)for Ad-HCC.METHODS From January 2018 to March 2022,217 Ad-HCC patients were retrospectively enrolled.Among them,122 were included in the T-A group,and 95 were included in the T-M group.A propensity score matching(PSM)was applied to balance bias.Overall survival(OS)was compared using the Kaplan-Meier curve with the log-rank test.The overall objective response rate(ORR)and major complications were also assessed.RESULTS After PSM,82 patients were included both the T-A group and the T-M group.The ORR(85.4%)in the T-M group was significantly higher than that(65.9%)in the T-A group(P<0.001).The cumulative 1-,2-,and 3-year OS rates were 98.7%,93.4%,and 82.0%in the T-M group and 85.1%,63.1%,and 55.0%in the T-A group(hazard ratio=0.22;95%confidence interval:0.10-0.49;P<0.001).The incidence of major complications was 4.9%(6/122)in the T-A group and 5.3%(5/95)in the T-M group,which were not significantly different(P=1.000).CONCLUSION T-M can provide better survival outcomes and comparable safety for Ad-HCC than T-A.

Atypical presentation of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm:A case report and review of the literature

Classically, hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms(HAPs) arise secondary to trauma or iatrogenic causes. With an increasing prevalence of laparoscopic procedures of the hepatobiliary system the risk of inadvertent injury to arterial vessels is increased. Pseudoaneurysm formation post injury can lead to serious consequences of rupture and subsequent hemorrhage, therefore intervention in all identified visceral pseudoaneurysms has been advocated. A variety of interventional methods have been proposed, with surgical management becoming the last step intervention when minimally invasive therapies have failed. The authors present a case of a HAP in a 56-year-old female presenting with jaundice and pruritis suggestive of a Klatskin's tumor. This presentation of HAP in a patient without any significant past medical or surgical intervention is atypical when considering that the majority of HAP cases present secondary to iatrogenic causes or trauma. Multiple minimally invasive approaches were employed in an attempt to alleviate the symptomology which included jaundice and associated inflammatory changes. Ultimately, a right hepatic trisegmentectomy was required to adequately relieve the mass effect on biliary outflow obstruction and definitively address the HAP. The presentation of a HAP masquerading as a malignancy with jaundice and pruritis, rather than the classic symptoms of abdominalpain, anemia, and melena, is unique. This presentation is only further complicated by the absent history of either trauma or instrumentation. It is important to be aware of HAPs as a potential cause of jaundice in addition to the more commonly thought of etiologies. Furthermore, given the morbidity and mortality associated with pseudoaneurysm rupture, intervention in identifiable cases, either by minimally invasive or surgical interventions, is recommended.

Analysis of the Effects of Preoperative Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization and Quality Nursing Intervention on the Perioperative Safety and Short-term Prognosis of Liver Transplantation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative hepatic artery chemoembolization (TACE) and quality nursing interventions on the perioperative safety and short-term prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver transplantation. Methods: The study period spanned from January 2021 to December 2023, and 125 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to our hospital were selected, all of whom underwent liver transplantation. They were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 63) and a control group (n = 62). The patients in the control group did not undergo TACE before the operation, and the patients in the observation group underwent TACE and quality nursing intervention before the operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospitalization, liver- free period, complication rate, short-term prognosis, and liver function indexes between the two groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospitalization between the two groups (P < 0.05). The liver-free period of patients in the observation group was longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The two groups had no significant difference in the incidence of biliary complications, vascular complications, and postoperative infections (P > 0.05). The rate of immune reactive complications in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the perioperative mortality rate, 1-year postoperative survival rate, and 2-year postoperative survival rate (P > 0.05). The two groups had no significant difference in postoperative liver function indexes (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative TACE and high-quality nursing intervention in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had no adverse effect on the perioperative safety and short-term prognosis, prolonged the liver-free time, and reduced the incidence of immune-reactive complications.

Safety and efficacy of an integrated endovascular treatment strategy for early hepatic artery occlusion after liver transplantation

Background:Hepatic artery occlusion(HAO)after liver transplantation(LT)is typically comprised of hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)and stenosis(HAS),both of which are severe complications that coexist and interdependent.This study aimed to evaluate an integrated endovascular treatment(EVT)strategy for the resolution of early HAO and identify the risk factors associated with early HAO as well as the procedural challenge encountered in the treatment strategy.Methods:Consecutive orthotopic LT recipients(n=366)who underwent transplantation between June 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively investigated.EVT was performed using an integrated strategy that involved thrombolytic therapy,shunt artery embolization plus vasodilator therapy,percutaneous transluminal angioplasty,and/or stent placement.Simple EVT was defined as the clinical resolution of HAO by one round of EVT with thrombolytic therapy and/or shunt artery embolization plus vasodilator therapy.Otherwise,it was defined as complex EVT.Results:Twenty-six patients(median age 52 years)underwent EVT for early HAO that occurred within 30 days post-LT.The median interval from LT to EVT was 7(6–16)days.Revascularization time(OR=1.027;95%CI:1.005–1.050;P=0.018)and the need for conduit(OR=3.558;95%CI:1.241–10.203,P=0.018)were independent predictors for early HAO.HAT was diagnosed in eight patients,and four out of those presented with concomitant HAS.We achieved 100%technical success and recanalization by performing simple EVT in 19 patients(3 HAT+/HAS-and 16 HAT-/HAS+)and by performing complex EVT in seven patients(1 HAT+/HAS-,4 HAT+/HAS+,and 2 HAT-/HAS+),without major complications.The primary assisted patency rates at 1,6,and 12 months were all 100%.The cumulative overall survival rates at 1,6,and 12 months were 88.5%,88.5%,and 80.8%,respectively.Autologous transfusion<600 mL(94.74%vs.42.86%,P=0.010)and interrupted suture for hepatic artery anastomosis(78.95%vs.14.29%,P=0.005)were more prevalent in simple EVT.Conclusions:The integrated EVT strategy was a feasible approach providing effective resolution with excellent safety for early HAO after LT.Appropriate autologous transfusion and interrupted suture technique helped simplify EVT.

Percutaneous Embolization of a Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm under Combined Angiographic and Fluoroscopic Guidance

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of liver directed procedures. Several strategies for treatment of pseudoaneurysms have been described. We describe a challenging case in which a small bleeding hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is complicated by a proximal hepatic arterial occlusion, preventing transcatheter access. The aneurysm was too small to be seen on ultrasound. Using combined angiographic and fluoroscopic guidance, however, the aneurysm was triangulated and successfully treated with percutaneous direct thrombin injection. Combined angiography and fluoroscopy guided percutaneous thrombin injection of intrahepatic pseudoaneurysms can be a valuable treatment approach, particularly when other methods are not feasible or have failed.

An enriched environment promotes synaptic plasticity and cognitive recovery after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice

Cerebral ischemia activates an endogenous repair program that induces plastic changes in neurons. In this study, we investigated the effects of environmental enrichment on spatial learning and memory as well as on synaptic remodeling in a mouse model of chronic cerebral ischemia, produced by subjecting adult male C57 BL/6 mice to permanent left middle cerebral artery occlusion. Three days postoperatively, mice were randomly assigned to the environmental enrichment and standard housing groups. Mice in the standard housing group were housed and fed a standard diet. Mice in the environmental enrichment group were housed in a cage with various toys and fed a standard diet. Then, 28 days postoperatively, spatial learning and memory were tested using the Morris water maze. The expression levels of growth-associated protein 43, synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 in the hippocampus were analyzed by western blot assay. The number of synapses was evaluated by electron microscopy. In the water maze test, mice in the environmental enrichment group had a shorter escape latency, traveled markedly longer distances, spent more time in the correct quadrant(northeast zone), and had a higher frequency of crossings compared with the standard housing group. The expression levels of growth-associated protein 43, synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 were substantially upregulated in the hippocampus in the environmental enrichment group compared with the standard housing group. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed that environmental enrichment increased the number of synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. Collectively, these findings suggest that environmental enrichment ameliorates the spatial learning and memory impairment induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Environmental enrichment in mice with cerebral ischemia likely promotes cognitive recovery by inducing plastic changes in synapses.

Implications of the presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM:To analyze the differences in outcomes and the clinical impact following pancreatoduodenectomy(PD)in patients with and without aberrant right hepatic artery(aRHA).METHODS:All patients undergoing PD between January 2008 and December 2012 were divided into two groups,one with aRHA and the other without.These groups were compared to identify differences in the intraoperative variables,the oncological clearance and the postoperative morbidity,mortality and hospital stay.RESULTS:A total of 225 patients underwent PD,of which 43(19.1%)patients were found to have eitheraccessory or replaced right hepatic arteries(aRHA group).The aRHA was preserved in 79%of the patients.There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss but operative time was prolonged,reflecting the complexity of the procedure[420±44(240-540)min vs 480±45(300-600)min,P<0.05)].There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications(pancreatic leak,pancreatic fistula,delayed gastric emptying and mortality)and hospital stay.Oncological clearance in the form of positive resection margins[13(7.1%)vs 3(6.9%)]and lymph node yield were also similar in the two groups.CONCLUSION:An aRHA is found in approximately one fifth of patients undergoing PD.Preservation is technically possible in most patients and can increase the operative complexity but does not negatively affect the safety or oncological outcomes of the procedure.

Clinical significance of variant hepatic artery in pancreatic resection:A comprehensive review

The anatomical structure of the pancreaticoduodenal region is complex and closely related to the surrounding vessels.A variant of the hepatic artery,which is not a rare finding during pancreatic surgery,is prone to intraoperative injury.Inadvertent injury to the hepatic artery may affect liver perfusion,resulting in necrosis,liver abscess,and even liver failure.The preoperative identification of hepatic artery variations,detailed planning of the surgical approach,careful intraoperative dissection,and proper management of the damaged artery are important for preventing hepatic hypoperfusion.Nevertheless,despite the potential risks,planned artery resection has become acceptable in carefully selected patients.Arterial reconstruction is sometimes essential to prevent postoperative ischemic complications and can be performed using various methods.The complexity of procedures such as pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection may be mitigated by the presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery or a common hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery.Here,we comprehensively reviewed the anatomical basis of hepatic artery variation,its incidence,and its effect on the surgical and oncological outcomes after pancreatic resection.In addition,we provide recommendations for the prevention and management of hepatic artery injury and liver hypoperfusion.Overall,the hepatic artery variant may not worsen surgical and oncological outcomes if it is accurately identified pre-operatively and appropriately managed intraoperatively.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic biliary stenting for bile duct cancer

We report a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery observed 9 mo after the endoscopic placement of a Wallstent,for bile duct stenosis,which was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization.The patient presented with obstructive jaundice and was diagnosed with inoperable common bile duct cancer.A plastic stent was inserted endoscopically to drain the bile,and chemotherapy was initiated.Abdominal pain and jaundice appeared approximately 6 mo after the beginning of chemotherapy.A diagnosis of stent occlusion and cholangitis was made,and the plastic stent was removed and substituted with a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS) endoscopically.Nine months after SEMS insertion,contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery protruding into the common bile duct lumen and in contact with the SEMS.The shape and size of the pseudoaneurysm and diameter of its neck was determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using Sonazoid.A micro-catheter was led into the pseudoaneurysm in the right hepatic artery,GDC Detachable Coils were placed,and IDC Detachable Coils were then placed in the right hepatic artery on the distal and proximal sides of the pseudoaneurysm using the isolation method.There have been a few reports on pseudoaneurysm associated with stent placement in the biliary tract employing percutaneous transhepatic procedures,however,reports of pseudoaneurysms associated with endoscopic SEMS placement are very rare.