To investigate the methods of hepatic arterial reconstruction in orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT), and the prevention and management of associated complications, so as to improve the therapeatic results and donor survival rate of OLT.Methods：The clinical data of 85 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation performed in our institute from May 1995 to May 2004 were retrospectively analysed. Hepatic artery reconstruction was made by use of Carrel′s patch of donor celiac artery or bifurcation of donor common hepatic artery and splenic artery anastoniosed to left and right hepatic artery of recipient in 16 cases(18.82%), to bifurcation of gastroduodenal and proper hepatic arteries of recipient in 61 cases(71.76%), or use of donor iliac artery interposition graft to abdominal aorta in 8 cases(9.42%). Regular heparin or lowmolecularweight heparin as a prophylactic anticoagulation therapy was maintained during and after operation as indicated by prothrombin time. Intraand postoperative Doppler ultrasonography was used to monitor hepatic arterial blood supply.Results：Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT) was observed in 1 case intraoperatively(overall incidence 1.2%).Thrombectomy and reconstruction of the arterial anastomosis were performed immediately.This patient currently has a survival time of 13 months without HAT. HAT was not observed in any of the other 84 cases during the follow up of 2 to 52 months.Conclusions： Hepatic artery thrombosis may be minimized by proper selection of anastomotic site of hepatic artery reconstruction and effective use of postoperative anticoagulation.Close followup by Doppler ultrasonography may make a prompt diagnosis of HAT, salvage grafts and avoid retransplantation.