Repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (rTACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparisons between an arterial port system and conventional angiographic technique.

Purpose: To compare the cost and radiation exposure of repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (rTACE) using percutaneously implantable port system with rTACE using conventional catheterization technique.

Materials And Methods: In five patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, three cycles of TACE were performed using conventional technique and six cycles using port. The cumulative cost of material and contrast agent and dose area product (DAP) were compared with the cost and DAP that would be expected if the rTACE was performed conventionally.

Results: The cost of material and contrast agent was 1002.6 Euro after three cycles of TACE using conventional technique and six cycles using port, but would be 1111.8 Euro if the nine cycles were performed using conventional technique alone. The rTACE with three cycles using conventional technique and six cycles using port led to approximately 63% of the cumulative DAP that would be expected in rTACE using conventional technique alone.

Conclusion: In rTACE, the use of percutaneously implantable port system might enable a reduction of cost and radiation exposure.