Hepatic artery thrombosis is a serious complication in pediatric liver transplant, as disruption to this key vessel can quickly lead to graft failure and life-threatening consequences.

While surgical precision is essential to a successful anastomosis, it isn’t the only factor at play. Transplant teams also turn to intraoperative flow measurement technology from Transonic to reduce the risk of hepatic artery thrombosis, especially in pediatric cases where smaller vessel size and physiology add complexity.

Flow Measurement & Hepatic Artery Thrombosis

Research shows that hepatic artery flows under 100 mL/min are strongly associated with a higher risk of thrombosis and organ loss. And hepatic artery flows of less than 200 mL/min following a liver transplantation increase the risk of subsequent hepatic artery thrombosis six times.

In some cases, a vessel or organ might appear healthy with a strong pulse and no visible obstruction and yet have insufficient flow. Transit-time ultrasound technology gives the care team data that can reveal any hidden risk with enough time to act. 

Precision Tools Make the Difference

Tools like the AureFlo system, Optima Flow-QC Meter and Confidence Flowprobes (or Vascular Flowprobes for the very smallest of patients) empower surgeons to perform accurate flow checks on tiny vessels. And that means:

• Quantifying hepatic arterial flow in real-time
• Detecting inadequate flow before closing a patient
• Confirming the success of surgical revisions or adjustments 

Hepatic artery thrombosis doesn’t have to be an unpredictable complication. With the right tools and data, it becomes a preventable one. 

In pediatric liver transplantation, where every detail matters, intraoperative flow measurement provides the data needed to safeguard graft function and protect young lives.

Explore Transonic’s solutions for flow measurement in pediatric liver transplant surgery.