Table 3
Differences between isolated limb perfusion and isolated limb infusion.
| | Isolated limb perfusion | Isolated limb infusion |
| | Technically complex | Technically simple | | Open surgical exposure of vessels for catheter insertion | Percutaneous vascular catheter insertion in radiology department | | 4 to 6 hours duration | Approximately 1 hour | | Perfusionist and large number of staff required | No perfusionist required and fewer total staff | | Complex and expensive equipment needed | Equipment requirements modest | | Magnitude of procedure excludes patients | Well tolerated by medically compromised, frail, and elderly patients | | Not possible in occlusive vascular disease | Can be performed in occlusive vascular disease | | Technically challenging to perform a repeat procedure | Not difficult to perform a repeat procedure | | Systemic metastases normally a contraindication | Systemic metastases not a contraindication | | Higher perfusion pressures predispose to systemic leakage | Low pressure system, effective vascular isolation with tourniquet | | Limb tissues oxygenated, with normal blood gases maintained | Progressive hypoxia and acidosis | | Hyperthermia (>41°C can be achieved) | Usually not possible to raise limb temperature above 40°C | | General anesthesia required | Possible with regional anesthesia |
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