Transcatheter arterial embolization of normal livers and experimental hepatic tumours in the rat.

Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with Spongostan (99.3% gelatin) was performed in a group of normal rats. By repeat angiography could be demonstrated that arterial occlusions lasted for at least 1 to 8 days in most rats. Microscopy of these normal livers gave no evidence of parenchymatous liver injury. At postembolization angiography in a group of rats with experimental liver tumours it could be demonstrated that arterial supply of these tumours was temporarily completely arrested. Microscopy of some of these neoplasms revealed extensive necroses. The eventual future clinical applications of this procedure as an alternative to hepatic artery ligation is discussed.