There are several steps in the regional hyperthermic perfusion procedure.
Isolating the Limb The technique begins with the process called cannulating, which means that small tubes are inserted into the arteries carrying blood to the limb and the veins carrying blood out. This means placing tubes into the axillary artery and vein when treating an arm and into the external iliac artery and vein when treating a leg. The blood vessels in the thigh (femoral) and behind the knee (popliteal) have also been used when treating a leg.
To make the isolation complete, a rubber tourniquet is placed at the top of the arm or leg and held in place with a mechanical device. The blood vessel tubing is then connected to a heart-lung machine.
