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November 1, 2025 / Blogs

What is Hepatic Artery Infusion?

What is Hepatic Artery Infusion?

For patients with cancer that is either located in the liver or has spread to the liver, treatment can present unique challenges. The liver is a complex and vital organ and finding ways to attack tumors directly while protecting healthy tissue is a primary goal of modern oncology. One advanced and powerful treatment designed to do just that is Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy.

This approach delivers targeted treatment directly to the liver, offering a promising option for many patients. This blog will explain what HAI therapy is, how it works, and how specialized care can make the treatment journey more manageable.

Understanding Hepatic Artery Infusion Therapy

Hepatic Artery Infusion is a type of regional chemotherapy, meaning it focuses treatment on a specific area of the body. The therapy uses a small, surgically implanted device called an infusion pump. This pump, which is about the size of a hockey puck, is placed under the skin in the abdomen.1,2

A thin, flexible tube, known as a catheter, connects the pump directly to the hepatic artery, which is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the liver.2 This system allows for a continuous, slow release of chemotherapy medication directly to the liver tumors.

The major advantage of this method is its ability to deliver a much higher and more concentrated dose of chemotherapy to the cancer, sometimes 300 to 400 times higher than traditional intravenous (IV) chemotherapy1. Because the liver processes most of the medication before it can circulate throughout the body, HAI therapy helps minimize many of the common systemic side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea and fatigue.2

Who Can Benefit from HAI Therapy?

HAI therapy is typically considered for patients whose cancer is confi ned primarily to the liver. This includes:

  • Colorectal cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver.
  • Bile duct cancer that originates within the liver, known as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
  • Certain cases of primary liver cancer.

The goals of HAI therapy can vary. For some, it is used to shrink tumors so they can be surgically removed. For others who have already had surgery, it can help destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.2 It can also serve as a primary treatment for patients whose tumors cannot be removed surgically.1

The journey with HAI therapy begins with a surgical procedure to place the pump and catheter. Once the pump is implanted, it must be refilled with medication on a regular basis, which is often every two weeks.

The Pentec Health Difference: At-Home Pump Management

While HAI therapy offers significant clinical benefits, the need for frequent refills can create a logistical burden for patients and their families, requiring repeated travel and time spent in a hospital or clinic.

Pentec Health is dedicated to easing this burden. With over 40 years of experience in managing implanted pumps, we are the only healthcare provider to offer hepatic artery infusion refills in the home. Our specialized oncology support brings this advanced care directly to patients, allowing them to remain in a comfortable and familiar environment.

The Pentec holistic approach to care is built on several key pillars:

  • Highly Skilled Nursing: A nationwide team of specialty care nurses provide exceptional care and management of implanted pumps.
  • Specialty Pharmacy Services: Our state-of-the-art pharmacy is staffed by expertly trained pharmacists and technicians who prepare patient-specific, sterile compounded medications for HAI therapy.
  • Comprehensive Support: We recognize that navigating treatment can be complex. Our dedicated teams streamline the entire process, from coordinating with physicians to managing the complexities of insurance coverage and reimbursement. This reduces administrative burdens and allows patients to focus on their health.

By bringing HAI pump refills directly to your home, we can help remove the barrier of distance, reduce the stress of travel, and ensure patients receive their therapy on time, improving their quality of life when it matters most.

If you, a patient, or a loved one is exploring HAI therapy, contact us to learn more about how Pentec Health can be your partner in care.


  1. “Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Chemotherapy.” UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/hepatic-artery-infusion-pump. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
  2. “Hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy.” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hepatic-artery-infusion-pump/about/pac-20583275. Accessed October 1, 2025.