Intrahepatic microvascular changes after hepatic arterial embolization in swines

The structure of intrahepatic microvessels after hepatic arterial embolization with several embolic meterials was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After the intrahepatic arterial injection of Lipiodol, destruction of capillary vessels in peribiliary plexus (PBP) was noted. After the intrahepatic arterial injection of Gelfoam, occlusion of the terminal branches of hepatic artery (about 30μm in diameter) and proliferation of the collateral vessels were noted. The Ivalon (1mm in diamter) had no significant effects on structural changes of the terminal branches of hepatic artery. It appears that the Ivalon embolized the extrahepatic artery and it caused the proliferation of extrahepatic collateral vessels instead of intrahepatic collateral. Destruction of PBP was noted after the intrahepatic arterial injection of Degradable Starch Microspheres (DSM). The influence of embolic materials on intrahepatic microvessels after the hepatic arterial embolization was clarified by study with SEM.