Objective  To analyze the clinical efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial thrombolysis combined with splenic arterial embolization in the treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation.

  Methods  Clinical data of 9 patients diagnosed with HAT after liver transplantation undergoing transcatheter hepatic arterial thrombolysis combined with splenic arterial embolization were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of HAT and clinical efficacy of thrombolytic therapy were summarized. The incidence of thrombolysis related complications and clinical prognosis were evaluated. The thrombolytic therapy procedures of typical cases were analyzed.

  Results  HAT was diagnosed at 1-66 d after liver transplantation with a median time of 10 d. The formation site of HAT was found at the anastomosis of the main hepatic artery in 8 cases and at the right branch in 1 case. Upon diagnosis, 9 patients received transcatheter hepatic arterial thrombolysis combined with splenic arterial embolization in emergency. The hepatic artery was open during operation in 4 cases and treated with postoperative thrombolytic therapy with indwelling catheter in 3 cases. The opening time for inwelling catheter was 72-96 h. The total successful rate was 7/9. The thrombolysis related complication of abdominal hemorrhage occurred in 1 case after surgery. Three cases died, including 2 cases of liver failure and infection, and 1 case of biliary ischemia and systemic infection at 70 d after interventional therapy.

  Conclusions  Hepatic arterial thrombolysis combined with splenic arterial embolization is an efficacious treatment for HAT after liver transplantation, which can serve as the optimal therapy for patients who are unable to undergo secondary liver transplantation.