If you're receiving a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump, it's important to know how to best prepare for your procedure. This includes any tests you'll need before surgery, as well as what to expect as you recover.
Preparing for Surgery to Place an HAI Pump
To prepare for surgery, you will have imaging done — usually a CT scan or MRI — so we can see the pattern of your arteries and determine where to place the pump.
We'll give you specific instructions on when to stop eating, drinking and taking medications prior to surgery. You'll need to have an empty stomach before any surgical procedure that requires anesthesia. It's very important that you follow these guidelines for your own safety. If you don't follow the instructions, your surgery might be canceled. Please contact us with any specific questions.
Recovery After Surgery to Place an HAI Pump
If you are receiving only the HAI pump during surgery, it can be placed in a procedure that lasts about an hour and a half, and you can expect to recover in the hospital for about three days.
If you are having the pump placed as part of another liver surgery, your procedure may last more than four hours. Based on what procedure you have, you also will require a longer hospital stay.
After the HAI pump is placed, you may be able to see or feel it beneath your skin. It may be uncomfortable to wear close-fitting clothing at first, but as you get used to the pump, you’ll be able to wear tighter clothing again.
The pump will release medicine at a set rate. Your pump will be refilled with chemotherapy at each follow-up visit (about every two to four weeks). We will give you specific instructions about how often you need your pump refilled.
Potential Complications of the HAI Pump
The HAI pump is usually in place for six months to one year, often longer than originally necessary to ensure we won’t need it again. Placement of the pump requires surgical procedure. It sits within your skin, and one end of it goes deep within your abdomen.
Complications of HAI pumps are rare, but they can happen. Potential complications include:
- Arterial thrombosis - a blood clot that develops in an artery
- Catheter blockage or dislodgement
- Slight liver damage caused by a high dose of chemotherapy
- Pump-site infection
- Hematoma (damage to large blood vessels)
- Biliary sclerosis - hardening of the bile ducts
Studies have shown that complications are far less common when HAI pumps are placed by experienced surgeons, such as those at Penn Medicine.