The usefulness of a high-speed 3D-image analysis system in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

Abstract

Background: Since March 2010, we have used a high-speed 3D-image analysis system (SYNAPSE VINCENT) to calculate the graft volume in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to replace CT volumetry. The SYNAPSE VINCENT is capable of extracting each vessel territory in the liver and displaying 3D images simply, quickly, and accurately. Therefore, we report here the usefulness of the SYNAPSE VINCENT in pediatric LDLTs in overcoming issues with perfusion area of hepatic venous tributaries in monosegmental grafts.

Material/methods: The SYNAPSE VINCENT was used in three pediatric patients. In two of these cases, the possibility of monosegmental grafts was assessed when calculating graft volumetry of segment III.

Results: The graft recipient weight ratio (GRWR) with graft volumetry measurements of the left lateral segment were 1.8-5.6%. GRWR of segment III were 2.3 and 2.0%. Since donor V2, venous branch to segment II and V3, venous branch to segment III were independently branching in one case, the monosegmental graft could be evaluated preoperatively according to the venous perfusion.

Conclusions: Graft volumetry using the SYNAPSE VINCENT was useful for planning the LDLT operative procedures, especially in infants possibly in need of monosegmental graft.