Table 3 –

Most commonly described routes of administration of hepatocytes.

Route of Transfusion	Advantage	Disadvantage
Portal vein	Preferred for acute and metabolic conditions Can deliver a large quantity directly Ease of access	Avoid in fibrosis Transient increase in portal pressures
Splenic artery (intrasplenic)	Preferred when there is evidence of fibrosis Less likely to lead to mechanical cell destruction Reduced risk of portal vein thrombosis	Potential for gastric or splenic infarction
Intraparenchymal/Intraperitoneal	Improved metabolic activity and implantation Can accommodate a large volume of cells	Increased risk of microemboli to lungs Reduced longevity due to lack of anchorage