Segmental hepatic arterial occlusion with absolute ethanol in domestic swine.

Four to five ml of absolute ethanol was injected into a segmental hepatic artery in eight pigs to study the occlusive effect on the hepatic arterial system. Liver cell damage was indicated by a transient moderate elevation of liver enzymes. Follow-up angiography at various time intervals showed persistent occlusion of intrahepatic arteries at different levels in all pigs and occlusion of the common hepatic artery in four. Reconstitution of the intrahepatic arterial circulation via abundant intrahepatic collaterals was, however, observed. Microscopic examinations demonstrated arterial thrombi and necroses in the vascular walls as well as a great variation in the extent of liver parenchymal damage.