Hepatic stents are utilized in which part of the body?

Hepatic stents are specifically designed for use within the liver vasculature. They are employed to address various conditions related to biliary obstruction, such as stricture or blockage of the bile ducts that can occur due to tumors, gallstones, or other diseases affecting the liver and gallbladder. By placing a stent in the hepatic ducts, the flow of bile can be restored or maintained, preventing complications such as cholangitis or liver damage due to bile accumulation.

The stenting procedure often involves using imaging guidance, typically fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to navigate to the affected area within the liver's biliary tree. It is crucial in interventional radiology as it allows for less invasive management of biliary obstructions compared to traditional surgical approaches. In contrast, the other options relate to areas where stents may be used, but they are not specific to hepatic applications. The cardiovascular system may use other types of stents for vascular occlusions, while urinary and gastrointestinal stents serve entirely different purposes and are not applicable to hepatic conditions.