Experimental hepatic artery embolization with a collagen embolic agent in rabbits. A microcirculatory study.

The authors used new fibrous collagen embolic material (5 by 75 microns in size) for flow-directed hepatic artery embolization in four rabbits; the purpose of the study was to examine the acute effects of the material on hepatic microcirculation. Extent of hepatic dearterialization, level of arterial occlusion, collateral formation and status of portal sinusoidal perfusion were evaluated under a dissection microscope after embolization. The collagen material produced proximal and peripheral hepatic arterial occlusion with complete hepatic dearterialization, including the bile duct. Portal sinusoidal perfusion appeared to be intact. No intrahepatic microcollaterals were observed.