Yttrium 90 radioembolization

This is a series of procedures which are performed by angiographic guidance, often through the wrist typically for primary or metastatic tumors to the liver.  Common indications are hepatocellular cancer, metastatic colon cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.  Once a good candidate is identified by the oncology team the patient is seen in consultation.  The first step is a mapping study to further understand the patients liver anatomy,  blood vessels to the small bowel and gallbladder are some times protected during this exam.  About 1 week later an individualized does of Y-90 radioactive microscopic beads is placed via another angiogram into the tumor, this procedure is typically repeated about two later.