Our Technology and Expertise
UPMC surgeons have particular expertise in a number of highly specialized technologies and minimally invasive surgical options, including:
chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is a procedure in which the blood supply to the tumor is blocked surgically or mechanically and anticancer drugs are administered directly into the tumor. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time.
complex biliary reconstruction
complex open liver resections
hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is a treatment whereby a catheter is surgically implanted into the artery that feeds the liver and connected to a pump, which can be placed under the skin. This pump is then loaded with chemotherapy and pumped directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumors in the liver.
isolated perfusion chemotherapy (IPC)
A chemotherapeutic agent is circulated through the affected region at a very high concentration, with minimal to no exposure to the rest of the body.
- isolated hepatic perfusion (liver perfusion)
- percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP)
minimally invasive and robotic liver resections
radioembolization
During radioembolization, thousands of tiny beads, which contain the radioactive element yttrium-90, are delivered to the tumor through a catheter placed surgically into the artery that feeds the liver.
radiofrequency ablation treatments
Radiofrequency ablation is an alternative to resection, which can be performed percutaneously, laparoscopically, or as an open operation.
During the procedure, surgeons use an ultrasound probe to locate the tumor. A needle tip radiofrequency probe is then inserted into the tumor and heated using radiofrequency waves. The heat kills the tumor while cauterizing (sealing) blood vessels, preventing bleeding, and lowering the chance of complications from surgery.