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| Isolated limb perfusion | Isolated limb infusion |
|
| Technically complex | Technically simple |
| Open surgical exposure of vessels for catheter insertion | Percutaneous vascular catheter insertion in radiology department |
| 4 to 6 hours duration | Approximately 1 hour |
| Perfusionist and large number of staff required | No perfusionist required and fewer total staff |
| Complex and expensive equipment needed | Equipment requirements modest |
| Magnitude of procedure excludes patients | Well tolerated by medically compromised, frail, and elderly patients |
| Not possible in occlusive vascular disease | Can be performed in occlusive vascular disease |
| Technically challenging to perform a repeat procedure | Not difficult to perform a repeat procedure |
| Systemic metastases normally a contraindication | Systemic metastases not a contraindication |
| Higher perfusion pressures predispose to systemic leakage | Low pressure system, effective vascular isolation with tourniquet |
| Limb tissues oxygenated, with normal blood gases maintained | Progressive hypoxia and acidosis |
| Hyperthermia (>41°C can be achieved) | Usually not possible to raise limb temperature above 40°C |
| General anesthesia required | Possible with regional anesthesia |
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