Minimally-invasive isolated limb perfusion (MI-ILP) - a first report of a new technique

Background: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) and isolated limb infusion (ILI) are treatments for patients with locally advanced melanomas and sarcomas of the extremities. The techniques allows for the administration of very high doses of a chemotherapeutic agent regionally with low systemic toxicity. ILP have higher response rates, but requires open surgery for vascular access, whereas ILI is minimally invasive with percutaneous placement of the catheters. A technique that combines the benefits of each method is newly developed, and the aim is to present the feasibility of this new minimally-invasive ILP (MI-ILP) procedure.