ABSTRACT
The portal vein has emerged as the favored site for pancreatic islet cell transplant (ICT) based on ease of technical access combined with cumulative data indicating that this route provides the safest and most durable access for transplantation (1). Early work involved surgical techniques for exposing the vein (2) and to this day laparoscopic mesenteric vein exposure remains an option in cases where percutaneous access is not possible or desired (3). However, the preferred approach at most centers is percutaneous access under imaging guidance (4,5).
