经颈静脉门腔分流术中Fluency覆膜支架应用的临床观察

目的 评价Fluency覆膜支架在经颈静脉门腔分流术(TIPS)中的临床效果.方法 搜集21例采用Fluency覆膜支架行TIPS治疗患者的临床病例资料进行回顾性分析.本组患者随访时间2.0～24.0个月,平均(10.1±4.6)个月;均为门静脉高压上消化道大出血,其中原发性肝癌门静脉主干癌栓伴大出血1例,布加综合征1例.分析患者术后支架开通情况,门静脉压力及肝功能变化情况.对手术前后门静脉压力及肝功能变化情况的比较采用配对t检验.结果21例患者共放支架25枚,均成功放置,支架直径10 mm 2枚、8 mm为23枚;覆膜支架长度6～8 cm.所有患者术后上消化道出血停止;门静脉压力由术前平均(25.4±3.5)mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133 kPa)降为(15.4±2.8)mm Hg,手术前后差异有统计学意义(t=12.495,P<0.01).随访期间,1例原发性肝癌伴门静脉主干癌栓患者于术后4个月死亡,1例随访期间发现原发性肝癌的患者术后24个月死亡,1例门静脉高压上消化道大出血患者于术后2个月死于多器官功能衰竭,1例于术后15个月出现肝静脉端狭窄,行第2枚支架治疗效果良好,余17例随访7～17个月支架无狭窄.患者死亡前1周复查超声示支架均通畅.3例术后出现一过性肝性脑病前驱症状,经对症处理后好转.存活6个月以上的19例患者,术前Child肝功能评分(6.3±1.4)分,术后6个月评分(6.4±1.9)分,两者差异无统计学意义(t=0.645,P>0.05).结论采用Fluency覆膜支架行TIPS术,能明显提高TIPS术后开通率,但长期效果及肝性脑病的评价尚需验'证.     

Dacron-covered stent-grafts in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: initial experience

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review the authors' experience with use of a Dacron-covered stent-graft in transjugular intrahepatic postosystemic shunts (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The need for internal review board approval was waived. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. The study was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. A retrospective analysis was performed of 16 patients who received a Dacron-covered stent-graft during revision or de novo creation of TIPS. There were 13 men and three women aged 44-80 years (mean age, 61 years). Primary unassisted and assisted patency rates and secondary patency rates were estimated. The primary unassisted patency of patients who underwent de novo placement of stent-grafts (n = 10) was compared with that of patients with stent-grafts placed during shunt revision (n = 6); in all patients, stent-grafts were placed within stents. Primary unassisted patency was also compared between patients in whom the covered stent was confined to the parenchymal tract (n = 7) and those in whom the stent extended 1 cm or more into the portal vein (n = 9). Patency was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and group comparisons were performed with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Primary unassisted patency rates following stent-graft placement at 4, 12, and 24 months (+/- standard error) were 64% +/- 14, 54% +/- 15, and 40% +/- 16, respectively. The rates for primary assisted patency were 78% +/- 12, 67% +/- 14, and 67% +/- 14 and those for secondary patency were 91% +/- 9, 81% +/- 12, and 54% +/- 23. At 12 months, primary unassisted patency with de novo stent-graft placement was 90% +/- 9, whereas that with stent-grafts placed during TIPS revision was 17% +/- 15 (P = .005). At 12 months, the primary unassisted patency in patients with stent-grafts confined to the parenchymal tract was 75% +/- 22, and that of patients with stent-grafts extending at least 1 cm into the portal vein was 40% +/- 17 (P = .21). CONCLUSION: In this small series, satisfactory long-term patency was observed among patients in whom Dacron-covered stent-grafts were placed during revision or de novo creation of TIPS. More favorable outcomes were observed when the stent-graft was placed during de novo TIPS creation and when the device was confined to the parenchymal tract.     

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent-grafts for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cirrhotic patients: Long-term patency and clinical outcome results

Purpose

To retrospectively analyse long-term patency and overall survival of cirrhotic patients treated with TIPSS using e-PTFE-covered stents. Additionally, prognostic factors for better patency and survival were analysed.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and eighty-five consecutive cirrhotic patients with severe portal hypertension-related symptoms were included. Follow-up, including clinical assessment and duplex ultrasound, was analysed up to end of study, patient’s death, liver transplantation or TIPSS-reduction. Patency rates and overall survival were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method; potential differences in outcome between subgroups were calculated using the Pepe and Mori test.

Results

The 1-, 2- and 5-year primary patencies were 91.5 %, 89.2 % and 86.2 %, respectively, with no new shunt dysfunctions after 5 years’ follow-up. TIPSS revision was performed more often in ascites patients (P?=?0.02). The 1-, 4- and 10-year survival rates were 69.2 %, 52.1 % and 30.7 %, respectively. Survival was higher in Child-Pugh class A-B (P?=?0.04), in the recurrent bleeding group (P?=?0.008) and in patients with underlying alcoholic cirrhosis (P?=?0.01).

Conclusion

Long term, primary patency of e-PTFE-covered TIPSS stents remains very high (>80 %); shunt revision was required more frequently in ascites patients. Overall survival was better in Child-Pugh A-B patients with recurrent variceal bleeding and alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Keypoints

? Long-term primary patency rate of e-PTFE-covered TIPSS stents remains very high. ? No new shunt dysfunction was found after 5 years of follow-up. ? Shunt revision was required more frequently in ascites patients. ? Four and 10 years’ overall survival was 50 and 30 %, respectively.

     

Emergency transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

The TIPS procedure can provide for emergent decompression of the portal venous system and cessation of life-threatening hemorrhage from gastroesophageal varices. It is a highly sophisticated procedure that should be done only by very experienced interventional radiologists because of the important complications that can occur and are directly related to the procedure. Knowledge of the technical aspects of the procedure that put the patient at increased risk for procedure-related complications can reduce the likelihood of mishap. Similarly, knowledge of the contraindications for TIPS will improve the screening of patients who clinically are at increased risk of post-procedure complications.     

覆膜支架在经颈静脉门腔分流术中的应用

目的 评价经颈静脉肝内门腔分流术(TIPS)专用覆膜支架(Viatorr支架)在TIPS中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析37例在美国俄勒冈州健康生命科技大学Dotter介入放射学研究所采用Viatorr支架行TIPS治疗的患者资料,随访时间为(15.2±9.3)个月(3-42个月).TIPS指征包括门静脉高压相关性的急慢性消化道出血,经药物及内镜治疗无效者17例;顽固性肝源性胸、腹水18例,Budd-Chiari综合征2例.采用配对t检验比较手术前后门腔静脉压力差(PSG)的变化,以Kaplan-Meier曲线分析支架开通率.结果 37例共置入41枚Viatorr支架,其中3枚直径为8 mm,38枚为10 mm,支架带膜长度为4～8 cm,无相关手术并发症.PSG由术前的(22.4±8.4)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)降为(8.1±3.2)mm Hg,差异有统计学意义(t=12.754,P<0.01).17例出血患者术后出血均停止,1例于术后17个月复发.18例严重顽固性腹水及肝性胸水患者中,4例术后腹水不消退,其余14例随访期间有2例腹水复发.2例(5.4%)发生分流道阻塞,Kaplan-Meier曲线分析结果显示1年的开通率为97.0%.术后1个月内无病死患者,2例分别于术后3个月及15个月死于多器官功能衰竭,晚期病死率为5.4%,死亡前1周内复查支架均通畅.肝移植患者5例(13.5%).结论 Viatorr支架能明显提高TIPS术后开通率,选择合适的支架,采用正确的释放技术能进一步提高疗效,但长期效果评价尚需验证.     

Creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts with stent-grafts: initial experiences with a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol endoprosthesis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and performance of a recently developed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered nitinol stent-graft to create transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension and related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ePTFE-covered nitinol stent-graft was used to create TIPS in 16 patients with recurrent variceal bleeding (n = 13) or refractory ascites (n = 3). Follow-up was performed with duplex ultrasonography, clinical assessment, and venography at 6 months. Technical success and portosystemic pressure gradients (PPGs) before and after stent-graft implantation and at follow-up were assessed. Two patients died during follow-up. Histopathologic follow-up data were available for one patient at autopsy and for the other after liver transplantation. RESULTS: The implantation technical success rate was 100%. Mean (+/- SD) PPG was reduced from 24 mm Hg +/- 5 to 9 mm Hg +/- 2. Histopathologic analysis of the explanted endoprostheses revealed no inflammatory response or neointima formation. The venographic follow-up data available for 10 patients demonstrated 100% in-graft patency (mean follow-up, 289 days +/- 26). Revisions with implantation of a new ePTFE-covered nitinol stent-graft or another commercially available stent in 10 patients were necessary because of hepatic vein stenosis above the grafted portion and/or relative diameter mismatch causing TIPS dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The ePTFE-covered nitinol stent-graft was used successfully to create TIPS and has the potential to prolong TIPS patency upon complete coverage to the hepatocaval junction.     

Embolization of nonvariceal portosystemic collaterals in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Percutaneous embolization of large portosystemic collaterals was performed in three patients following placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in order to improve hepatopetal portal flow. Improved hepatic portal perfusion was achieved in these cases, thereby theoretically reducing the risk of chronic hepatic encephalopathy.     

Technical advances in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can be created percutaneously with the Palmaz balloon-expandable stent. This article describes a transjugular-only approach with a 16-gauge needle. A functional and efficacious shunt can be achieved in most cases with stent diameters of 8-10 mm. Occasionally, a 12-mm-diameter shunt is necessary for effective variceal decompression. The procedure is considered successful when the portosystemic gradient is lowered to 12 mm Hg or less after stent placement. Hepatic vein stenosis in the shunt outflow can develop after the TIPs procedure. This complication has been treated successfully with additional stent placement. TIPS can undoubtedly be performed successfully and safely with a transjugular-only approach; however, the full impact of TIPS on the treatment of portal hypertension remains to be determined.     

Histopathologic study of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

A detailed histopathologic analysis of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts was performed following liver transplantation in five patients. Gross examination revealed that all stents were patent and unchanged in size, shape, and position from initial placement. Histologic examination at 4 days revealed an irregular luminal surface with liver parenchyma protruding between the stent wires and a single, patchy layer of endothelial cells lining the shunt surface. By 3 weeks, the stent wires were covered by a pseudointima of granulation tissue, and the luminal surface was lined with a contiguous layer of endothelial cells. Excessive pseudointimal proliferation resulted in shunt occlusion at 3 months in one patient whose shunt was subsequently reopened percutaneously.     

Primary implantation of polyester-covered stent-grafts for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts (TIPSS): A pilot study

Purpose: To investigate whether placement of a polyester-covered stent-graft increases the primary patency of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts (TIPSS). Methods: Between 1995 and 1997 Cragg Endopro or Passager MIBS stent-grafts were used for the creation of TIPSS in eight male patients, 35–59 years of age (mean 48 years). All patients suffered from recurrent variceal bleeding and/or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Seven stent-grafts were dilated to a diameter of 10 mm, one to 12 mm. Follow-up was performed with duplex ultrasound, clinical assessment, and angiography. Results: The technical success rate for creation of a TIPSS was 100%. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 25 mmHg to 12 mmHg. In seven of eight patients TIPSS dysfunction occurred between 2 days and 3 years after stent-graft placement. In one patient the TIPSS is still primarily patent (224 days after creation). The secondary patency rates are 31 days to 3 years. Conclusion: The primary use of polyester-covered stent-grafts for TIPSS did not increase primary patency rates in our small series.     

Mechanical thrombectomy of acute thrombosis in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy with the use of the Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) in restoring patency to acutely thrombosed stent-shunts after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. METHODS: Mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD was performed in 10 consecutive patients with angiographically documented complete thrombosis of the stent-shunt (mean +/- SD, 6.6 +/- 3.4 cm), which occurred an average of 2.8 months (range, 0-11 months) after the TIPS procedure. RESULTS: In all patients, immediate restoration of patency of the stent-shunt was achieved after thrombectomy alone (n = 1), thrombectomy plus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA; n = 4), and thrombectomy, PTA, and stenting (n = 5). The mean activation time of the ATD was 253 +/- 43 seconds. The pressure gradient for portal decompression decreased from 23 +/- 6 mmHg before to 11 +/- 3 mmHg after the procedure. The primary patency rate was 80% at 3 months and 60% at 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD in acutely thrombosed TIPS is technically feasible. Mechanical thrombectomy is a potential alternative to thrombolysis.     

A new stent-graft for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) has become an effective method of treatment for the complications of portal hypertension, however shunt dysfunction is common. Covered stent-grafts have been tested in animal models, and customized or "home-made" devices have been deployed in several institutions. We report the use of a new commercially available TIPSS stent-graft in six patients undergoing primary shunting as well as two cases of revision or secondary TIPSS. The device has proved relatively easy to handle and appears to have the technical features likely to improve primary patency. Further follow-up is required to properly assess shunt patency and re-intervention rates.     

Color Doppler-US guidance in transjugular placement of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Percutaneous placement of portosystemic shunts requires access to the portal system from a transjugular approach. Color Doppler sonography was used to direct the transjugular puncture in intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures in four patients. In each case, the technique allowed quick, safe transjugular puncture of the portal vein and close real-time monitoring of the procedure.     

Long-term results and quality of life in patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine long-term survival, shunt patency, and quality of life in patients after creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed up 103 patients who underwent TIPS for a mean of 20.10 +/- 25.58 months (range, 1 day-92 months). Various statistical methods were used to analyze long-term survival, shunt patency, and correlation with Child-Pugh classification and indications for TIPS. The Rand 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 was used to assess quality of life over time. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rate was 68%, 60%, 50%, 41%, and 41% at years 1-5, respectively. The cumulative survival rate was significantly higher for patients classified as Child-Pugh class A or B versus those classified as class C (p < 0.01), as well as for patients with the original indication of variceal bleeding versus refractory ascites or hydrothorax (p < 0.01). No significant difference in survival rates was found between patients with Child-Pugh A and those with Child-Pugh B. The cumulative primary patency rate was 50%, 34%, 21%, 13%, and 13% at years 1-5, respectively, with assisted patency rate of 80%, 61%, 46%, 42%, and 36%. Cumulative secondary patency rate was 85%, 64%, 55%, 55%, and 55% at years 1-5. Mean follow-up time in 33 patients who completed quality-of-life questionnaires with one follow-up was 17.46 months. Scores after TIPS in all nine of the health categories were higher than those preprocedure with statistically significant improvement in four categories. The second follow-up was completed by 21 patients at a mean of 30.58 months after TIPS creation. Both scores after TIPS were higher than those before TIPS, and scores in five categories were further improved at the second surveillance (p < 0.0, only for health change), whereas in four categories, the scores were slightly worse. CONCLUSION: TIPS has positive efficacy both for controlling bleeding or ascites and for improving the quality of life. The precise impact of TIPS on long-term survival, however, requires further clarification.