Liver necrosis after hepatic dearterialization in pigs.

In nine pigs, the livers were dearterialized by a combination of distal occlusion of the hepatic artery with Ivalon (polyvinyl alcohol foam) particles of 150-250 mu and proximal occlusion of the common hepatic artery with Gianturco coils. Necrosis of at least 90% of the liver developed in eight pigs. One pig with less extensive liver necrosis had developed an effective collateral circulation to a large part of the liver. Patency of the portal venous system did not prevent extensive infarction of dearterialized liver tissue.