Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a procedure performed to increase the volume and function of the liver, in order to allow for a hepatic resection (hepatectomy).
 

Indications for this treatment include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and liver metastases that require extensive resection.
 

Before deciding on the feasibility of the procedure, the patient undergoes a medical evaluation and imaging tests such as CT or MRI to plan the procedure and assess the condition of the liver and blood vessels.
 

During the procedure, the interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into the hepatic portal vein under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance, either through the liver or spleen, and directs it to the portal venous system in the liver. Each of the portal veins in the territory intended for resection is selectively catheterized and blocked using alcohol, embolic particles, and coils.
 

Liver hypertrophy (growth) usually occurs after about 4-6 weeks.
To accelerate the hypertrophy process, hepatic vein embolization can also be performed.

Advantages and Risks
 

Advantages

• Allows for more healthy liver tissue to grow before extensive resection surgery
   

• Improves liver function after surgery

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Risks

• Infection or bleeding
   

• Allergic reactions to the embolic materials
   

• Blocking blood vessels in the healthy area not intended for resection, which could impair the patient's ability to undergo the planned liver resection