journal article Apr 08, 2026

A Percutaneous, High‐Flow, Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion Technique for Extremity Malignancies: Point of Technique

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/jso.70255
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) has long been a cornerstone treatment for unresectable extremity malignancies, offering high local control while sparing the limb. Traditional hyperthermic ILP (HILP), though effective, requires open vascular access and carries significant morbidity. In contrast, isolated limb infusion (ILI) employs a percutaneous approach, but it compromises perfusion quality and treatment duration. This paper describes a hybrid technique that integrates the minimally invasive percutaneous access of ILI with the high‐flow, oxygenated, hyperthermic circuit characteristic of HILP. Using advanced endovascular access, extracorporeal oxygenation, and rigorous real‐time leakage monitoring, this method replicates the physiological parameters of open HILP while eliminating the need for surgical incisions. The technique expands access to high‐efficacy regional chemotherapy for patients previously deemed unfit for open procedures. It represents a significant advancement in limb‐sparing therapy, balancing oncologic efficacy with patient safety and procedural simplicity. This paper provides a step‐by‐step technical guide to its implementation.
Topics

No keywords indexed for this article. Browse by subject →

References
26
[1]
Creech O. "Chemotherapy of Cancer: Regional Perfusion Utilizing an Extracorporeal Circuit" Annals of Surgery (1958) 10.1097/00000658-195810000-00009
[2]
Minor D. R. "A Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Study of Isolated Limb Perfusion With Heat and Melphalan for Melanoma" Cancer (1985) 10.1002/1097-0142(19850601)55:11<2638::aid-cncr2820551118>3.0.co;2-e
[3]
Hayes A. J. "Technical Considerations for Isolated Limb Perfusion: A Consensus Paper" European Journal of Surgical Oncology (2024) 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108050
[4]
Russell M. "Isolated Limb Perfusion for Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Malignant Melanoma" Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology (2024) 10.1007/s13193-024-01920-2
[5]
Song Y. "Isolated Limb Perfusion and Infusion in the Treatment of Melanoma and Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Era of Modern Systemic Therapies" Journal of Surgical Oncology (2019) 10.1002/jso.25600
[6]
Martin‐Tellez K. S. "Isolated Limb Perfusion for Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Current Practices and Future Directions. A Survey of Experts and a Review of Literature" Cancer Treatment Reviews (2020) 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102058
[7]
Vassos N. "Oncological Outcome After Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion for Primarily Unresectable Versus Locally Recurrent Soft Tissue Sarcoma of Extremities" Surgical Oncology (2020) 10.1016/j.suronc.2020.08.010
[8]
Davies E. J. "Isolated Limb Perfusion for Locally Advanced Melanoma in the Immunotherapy Era" European Journal of Surgical Oncology (2022) 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.01.027
[9]
Verhoef C. "Isolated Limb Perfusion With Melphalan and TNF‐α in the Treatment of Extremity Sarcoma" Current Treatment Options in Oncology (2007) 10.1007/s11864-007-0044-y
[10]
Olofsson Bagge R. "Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion ‐ Technical Details and Initial Outcome of a New Treatment Method for Limb Malignancies" International Journal of Hyperthermia (2018) 10.1080/02656736.2018.1522000
[11]
Huibers A. "Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI‐ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity" Journal of Visualized Experiments (2025)
[12]
Klicks R. J. "Vascular Complications of Isolated Limb Perfusion" European Journal of Surgical Oncology (1998) 10.1016/s0748-7983(98)80008-5
[13]
Trezzi M. "Vascular Complications Following Isolated Limb Perfusion for Local Recurrence of Extremity Melanoma: A Case Report and Literature Review" International Journal of Vascular Medicine (2011) 10.1155/2011/204148
[14]
Schaadt J. "Isolated Limb Perfusion: A Literature Review" Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology (2002) 10.1051/ject/2002342130
[15]
Eggermont A. M. M. "Isolated Limb Perfusion With Tumor Necrosis Factor and Melphalan for Limb Salvage in 186 Patients With Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Extremity Sarcomas. The Cumulative Multicenter European Experience" Annals of Surgery (1996) 10.1097/00000658-199612000-00011
[16]
Thompson J. F. "Isolated Limb Infusion With Cytotoxic Agents: A Simple Alternative to Isolated Limb Perfusion" Seminars in Surgical Oncology (1998) 10.1002/(sici)1098-2388(199804/05)14:3<238::aid-ssu8>3.0.co;2-9
[17]
McDermott P. "An Isolated Limb Infusion Technique: A Guide for the Perfusionist" Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology (2005) 10.1051/ject/200537396
[18]
Kroon H. M. "Isolated Limb Infusion and Isolated Limb Perfusion for Melanoma: Can the Outcomes of These Procedures Be Compared?" Annals of Surgical Oncology (2019) 10.1245/s10434-018-7067-4
[19]
Testori A. "Treatment of Melanoma Metastases in a Limb by Isolated Limb Perfusion and Isolated Limb Infusion" Journal of Surgical Oncology (2011) 10.1002/jso.22028
[20]
Cecchin D. "Calculating Regional Tissue Volume for Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion: Four Methods Compared" European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO) (2016) 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.02.250
[21]
Podleska L. "Drug Dosage in Isolated Limb Perfusion: Evaluation of a Limb Volume Model for Extremity Volume Calculation" World Journal of surgical oncology (2014) 10.1186/1477-7819-12-81
[22]
Krishnan C. K. "Isolated Limb Perfusion of Upper Limb: How I Do It" Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology (2022) 10.1007/s13193-022-01561-3
[23]
Paulsen I. F. "Radionuclide Leakage Monitoring During Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion for Treatment of Local Melanoma Metastasis in an Extremity" Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging (2015) 10.1111/cpf.12164
[24]
Benckhuijsen C. "Pharmacokinetics of Melphalan in Isolated Perfusion of the Limbs" Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (1986) 10.1016/s0022-3565(25)25058-3
[25]
Werner P. "State‐Of‐The‐Art Review: Advantages and Disadvantages of Femoral Versus Central Cannulation" Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (2025) 10.1177/15569845251333344
[26]
Reijers S. J. M. "Health‐Related Quality of Life After Isolated Limb Perfusion Compared to Extended Resection, or Amputation for Locally Advanced Extremity Sarcoma: Is a Limb Salvage Strategy Worth the Effort?" European Journal of Surgical Oncology (2022) 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.08.007
Related

You May Also Like

Global trends in esophageal cancer

Gautam K. Malhotra, Ujwal Yanala · 2017

258 citations

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors

Stephen J. Kovach, Anne C. Fischer · 2006

237 citations

Epidemiology and incidence of HPV‐related cancers of the head and neck

Benjamin R. Roman, Abraham Aragones · 2021

186 citations