Portal venous branch targeting with a platinum-tipped wire to facilitate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures

We describe a technique to aid in technically difficult transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures by sonographically guided transabdominal fine-needle portal vein puncture for placement of a 0.018-inch platinum-tipped target guidewire within an appropriate portal venous branch.     

经颈内静脉肝内门腔静脉分流术治疗BuddChiari综合征

目的探讨经颈静脉肝内门腔静脉分流术(TIPS)治疗Budd-Chiari综合征(BCS)的疗效。方法本组14例患者经影像学检查确诊为BCS,因进行性肝功能损害,或严重门脉高压并发症(顽固性腹水,食管胃底静脉曲张上消化道出血),或广泛肝静脉闭塞而行TIPS术治疗。其中混合型8例,肝静脉型5例,肝静脉广泛闭塞型1例。TIPS术中对于下腔静脉、肝静脉的不同情况,灵活选择肝静脉或下腔静脉穿刺点进行穿刺,7例从肝静脉开口处行门静脉穿刺,建立门-腔静脉分流道,4例从下腔静脉直接穿刺门静脉分支,3例经皮穿刺开通肝右静脉后再经肝右静脉穿刺门静脉。术后对分流道支架开通情况进行长期随访。结果14例手术均获成功,门静脉压力由术前平均(4.9±1.4)kPa,降至术后(3.2±1.5)kPa,术后随访5～64个月,2例因支架狭窄分别于术后13、24个月再发上消化道出血,行分流道球囊扩张治疗,术后恢复良好。结论TIPS适用BCS合并有进行性肝功能损害或门静脉高压引起的上消化道出血、顽固性腹水的治疗。对于已行下腔静脉或肝静脉成形术后再发或加重的门静脉高压患者亦为适应证,但手术难度增加。     

A new coaxial needle system,hepatic artery targeting wire,and biplane fluoroscopy to increase safety and efficacy of TIPS

To improve safety and efficacy of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, we introduced a new, thin-needle (21-gauge long PTC needle) puncture technique using biplane fluoroscopy and targeting of a guidewire tip in the right hepatic artery. After puncture of the right portal vein, a 0.016-inch guidewire was inserted into the portal vein, followed by a 4 Fr dilator. The 4 Fr dilator allowed introduction of a 0.035-inch working guidewire. We successfully performed TIPS in seven patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis using this technique and encountered no technical difficulties or complications.     

Emergency transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for uncontrolled variceal bleeding.

This study was designed to retrospectively evaluate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) performed on an emergency basis in patients with hemorrhagic shock from recurrent uncontrolled variceal bleeding. Over a 3.5-year period we reviewed the medical records as well as the imaging studies of 16 patients who had uncontrolled variceal bleeding and presented to our department for an emergent placement of TIPS. In our study the technical success was 88% (14/16 patients), the overall mortality was 36% (5/14 patients), and the shunt immediately reduced the portal venous pressure gradient by a mean of 64%. Given the poor outcome of other alternatives, aggressive treatment and placement of TIPS is justified regardless of the severity of the bleeding episode.     

TIPSS治疗肝硬化门脉高压并消化道出血的随访研究

目的　总结我院随访实施TIPSS治疗的 6 5例病例的疗效及经验。方法　 6 5例肝硬化和Budd Chiari综合征患者 ,行TIPSS治疗。术前、后测量门脉压力。术后通过超声、食管钡餐随访检查 ,发现分流道狭窄者再次行介入治疗。随访时间为 3个月～ 6年 (平均 18个月 )。结果　术后 3个月、6个月、1年、2年和 3～ 6年再发消化道出血的病例数分别为 :0、2、10、5和 0例。出血的原因为分流道内血栓形成及肉芽组织增生所致狭窄 ,经溶栓、球囊扩张或内支架置入后使多数分流道再通。再通未成功的2例均因导丝不能通过分流道而行内科治疗。死亡 7例 ,其中 2例死于大出血 ,1例死于其他原因 ,4例因患肝癌死亡。其他患者一般情况良好 ,能进普食或半流食 ,能参加轻度体力劳动 ,肝功能基本正常 ,脾亢症状缓解 ,白细胞和血小板计数基本维持在正常范围。结论　尽管早、中期分流道再狭窄发生率较高(占 34 % ) ,但大部分病例可通过溶栓、球囊扩张或内支架置入获得再通 ,有相当数量的病例 ,能保持中长期的有效分流。在急性消化道大出血时 ,TIPSS仍是一种很有价值的实用技术。     

Early sonographic evaluation of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate duplex and color Doppler findings in patients before and within 24 h after transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunts (TIPS). Conventional duplex and color Doppler were used in the assessment of 19 patients who underwent TIPS as part of a prospective protocol. Patients were examined within 24 h before and after the procedure. Before TIPS, patency, flow direction, and peak flow velocity in the main portal vein and hepatic artery were studied, as well as patency and flow direction in hepatic veins, splenic vein, and inferior vena cava (IVC). Immediately after the procedure, sonographic identification of stent position, shunt patency, and flow dynamics were evaluated and patency and flow direction of hepatic veins, splenic vein, and IVC were determined. The portogram performed at the end of the procedure was compared with the 24-h sonographic studies after TIPS to determined sonographic/angiographic correlation. No intraparenchymal abnormalities or perihepatic fluid collections were detected after the procedure. The metallic stent was clearly seen in all patients. Mean peak shunt flow velocities were 139±50 cm/sec within 24 h after TIPS. Absence of flow through the shunt was correctly identified in one case and confirmed angiographically. Mean peak flow velocity in the portal vein before TIPS was 22±13.6 cm/sec and increased to 43.6±9.1 cm/sec after TIPS (p<0.05). The hepatic artery peak systolic velocity increased from 77±51 cm/sec before TIPS to 119±53 cm/sec after the procedure (p=0.029). Conventional duplex and color Doppler ultrasound proved to be a useful non-invasive diagnostic method to assess patients who have undergone TIPS. We propose its use as the primary diagnostic modality in these patients.     

Percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy of acute thrombosis in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): A feasibility study in five patients

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy in restoring patency of acutely thrombosed stent-shunts after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods Percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy was performed in five consecutive patients with angiographically documented complete thrombosis of the stent-shunt which developed within 2 weeks after the TIPS procedure. Thrombectomy was performed with a hydrolytic suction thrombectomy catheter, introduced via a transjugular approach. Results In all patients, immediate restoration of patency of the stent-shunt was achieved after deploying additional stent(s) to cover residual adherent mural thrombus. In two patients early reocclusion occurred. Conclusion Percutaneous hydrolytic suction thrombectomy in acutely thrombosed intrahepatic portosystemic shunts is technically feasible.     

Radiation dose reduction during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation using a new imaging technology

ObjectiveTo compare patient radiation dose in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation before and after an imaging-processing technology upgrade.MethodsIn our retrospective single-center-study, cumulative air kerma (AK), cumulative dose area product (DAP), total fluoroscopy time and contrast agent were collected from an age- and BMI-matched collective of 108 patients undergoing TIPS implantation. 54 procedures were performed before and 54 after the technology upgrade. Mean values were calculated and compared using two-tailed t-tests. Two blinded, independent readers assessed DSA image quality using a four-rank likert scale and the Wilcoxcon test.ResultsThe new technology demonstrated a significant reduction of 57% of mean DAP (402.8 vs. 173.3 Gycm², p < 0.001) and a significant reduction of 58% of mean AK (1.7 vs. 0.7 Gy, p < 0.001) compared to the precursor technology. Time of fluoroscopy (26.4 vs. 27.8 min, p = 0.45) and amount of contrast agent (109.4 vs. 114.9 ml, p = 0.62) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The DSA image quality of the new technology was not inferior (2.66 vs. 2.77, p = 0.56).ConclusionsIn our study the new imaging technology halved radiation dose in patients undergoing TIPS maintaining sufficient image quality without a significant increase in radiation time or contrast consumption.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术在肝癌伴门脉癌栓中的临床应用

目的:回顾分析并探讨经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)在原发性肝癌伴门静脉癌栓(PVTT)治疗中的应用价值.方法:回顾分析原发性肝癌伴门静脉癌栓,并接受TIPS手术治疗的患者的病例资料,了解术后主要症状改善情况,并发症及生存期等随访资料.结果:接受TIPS手术的肝癌伴PVTT患者共13例,其中成功进行手术患者10例.3例上消化道出血患者成功止血,7例腹水患者中的5例腹水减少,手术成功患者的平均生存期为(112.1±41.7)天,而未获成功的平均生存期仅(34.3±25.5)天,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:TIPS应用于肝癌伴门脉癌栓的治疗可行,可改善生存质量、延长生存期,具有一定的临床应用价值.     

Technical and clinical outcome of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt: bare metal stents (BMS) versus viatorr stent-grafts (VSG)

Purpose

To compare retrospectively angiographical and clinical results in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) using BMS or VSG.

Materials and methods

From February 2001 to January 2010, 245 patients underwent TIPS. From those, 174 patients matched the inclusion criteria with elective procedures and institutional follow-up. Group (I) consisted of 116 patients (mean age, 57.0 ± 11.1 years) with BMS. Group (II) consisted of 58 patients with VSG (mean age, 53.5 ± 16.1 years). Angiographic and clinical controls were scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months, followed by clinical controls every 6 months. Primary study goals included hemodynamic success, shunt patency as well as time to and number of revisions. Secondary study goals included clinical success.

Results

Hemodynamic success was 92.2% in I and 91.4% in II (n.s.). Primary patency was significantly higher in II compared to I (53.8% after 440.4 ± 474.5 days versus 45.8% after 340.1 ± 413.8 days; p < 0.05). The first TIPS revision was performed significantly later in II compared to I (288.3 ± 334.7 days versus 180.1 ± 307.0 days; p < 0.05). In the first angiographic control, a portosystemic pressure gradient ≥15 mmHg was present in 73.9% in I and in 39.4% in II (p < 0.05). Clinical success was 73.7–86.2% after 466.3 ± 670.1 days in I and 85.7–90.5% after 617.5 ± 642.7 days in II (n.s.). Hepatic encephalopathy was 37.5% in I and 36.5% in II (n.s.).

Conclusion

VSG increased primary shunt patency as well as decreased time to and number of TIPS revisions. There was a trend of higher clinical success in VSG without increased hepatic encephalopathy.     

经颈静脉肝内门腔分流术后肝功能随访及危险因素分析

目的观察经颈静脉肝内门腔分流术（TIPS）后患者肝功能的变化情况,以及TIPS术后肝损伤的危险因素分析。 方法收集2017年4月至2019年8月南方医科大学南方医院收治的肝硬化合并门静脉高压患者198例,均成功实施TIPS,随访术后1、3、6、12、18和24个月的终末期肝病模型（MELD）评分以及Child-Pugh评分。采用非条件Logistic回归模型筛选出术后重度肝损伤的独立危险因素,绘制ROC曲线图形,计算AUC以判断各危险因素的预测效能。 结果MELD评分从术后1个月开始显著升高（13.8 ± 3.9 vs 11.0 ± 3.4;P < 0.001）,之后逐渐降低至术后1年又缓慢回升,但始终明显高于术前基线水平。Child-Pugh评分从术后6个月开始逐渐降低,在术后1年降至最低值（6.6 ± 1.3 vs 6.9 ± 1.4;P = 0.027）,之后逐渐回升至术前基线水平。原发性肝癌、术前MELD评分以及术前Child-Pugh评分是TIPS术后1年重度肝损伤的独立危险因素（OR = 4.452,P = 0.012;OR = 1.320,P = 0.001;OR = 1.509,P = 0.033）,术前MELD评分和Child-Pugh评分的cut-off值分别为13.5、7.5。 结论TIPS因机械性损伤和肝内门腔分流,导致术后肝功能不同程度受损。原发性肝癌、术前MELD评分以及术前Child-Pugh评分是TIPS术后1年重度肝损伤的独立危险因素。     

Combined transhepatic and transvenous approach to hepatic vein stenosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

We describe a simple technique for recatheterization of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) with severe hepatic vein ostial stenoses that are inaccessible to standard transvenous approaches. A small gauge needle is used to transhepatically introduce a guidewire into the shunt; the wire is passed through the hepatic vein stenosis, snared, and used to guide jugular or brachial catheters into the TIPS.     

Morphologic and clinical results of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS)

The concept of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-assisted shunt (TIPSS) using the Palmaz iliac stent has been successfully accomplished in 18 of 24 patients representing a technical success rate of 75%. Fourteen were male, 4 female with a mean age of 60 years (range 34–84 years). According to classification of Child’s and Turcotte, 6 were in stage A, 6 in stage B, and 6 in stage C. Five patients were treated on an emergency basis because of massive active bleeding. In 10 patients the portosystemic tract was created between the middle hepatic vein and the right main stem of the portal vein in 8, and the left main stem in 2 patients. In 8 patients, the shunt was established between the right hepatic vein and the right main branch of the portal vein. The portosystemic gradient in 18 patients was 29.9±6 mm Hg and dropped to an average of 16.9±4 mm Hg after shunt establishment. Within the early postprocedural period of 30 days, 1 patient died of direct complications of the procedure. Because of catheter dislocation, embolization of the percutaneous transhepatic approach to the portal vein after successful shunt “creation” could not be done and was followed by intraabdominal exsanguination. One patient died of an ARDS after TIPSS. A third developed pulmonary infection. In 13 patients, because of hematomas at the puncture site of the transhepatic approach, only the transjugular approach was elected for establishing TIPSS. The mean portosystemic gradient in 18 patients prior to TIPSS was 29±6 mm Hg (range 19–41 mm Hg), dropped to an average of 16.9±4 mm Hg (range 7–21 mm Hg), and showed no significant change 6 months after TIPSS with a pressure of 16±1.8 mm Hg. The 1-year survival rate was 75% (8/12); the 2-year rate was 50% (3/6).     

Self-expanding stents in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: experience with nitinol Strecker stents

The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance and efficacy of a new self-expanding stent (nitinol Strecker stent) in the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. We have successfully placed 64 nitinol Strecker stents in 48 patients. The average portosystemic gradient decreased from 22 to 11 mm Hg. Balloon dilatation was necessary in 12 of 35 angiographically controlled cases at 5 days (34%), because of incomplete stent expansion, small thrombi within the stent or obstruction. At 1–6 months stent malfunctions occurred in 8 of 23 patients who underwent control angiography (34%) and at 6–24 months in 6 of 7 patients (85%). Rebleeding occurred in 2 of 39 patients (follow-up > 1 month) (5%) and temporary crises of de novo encephalopathy were observed in 11 of 48 patients (23%). Refractory ascites completely resolved in 4 of 6 patients (66%) and improved in the remaining 2 cases. Compared with other self-expanding stents, nitinol Strecker stents seem to be equally effective in TIPS; no increase in complication rate was observed, either clinical or stent-related. Correspondence to: P. Rossi     

Traesjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in portai vein thrombosis: Role of the right gastric vein with anomalous insertion

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was performed in two patients with portal vein thrombosis. In both patients, hepatopetal flow had been maintained by an anomalous insertion of the right gastric vein (RGV) into the portal vein bifurcation and into the left portal branch respectively. In one patient, the main portal trunk could not be recanalized and the RGV was used as an accessory portal vein to place one stent for TIPS. In the other case, access through the partial portal-vein occlusion was gained and three stents were placed from the hepatic vein to the main portal vein distal to the thrombus. In portal vein thrombosis, the aberrant insertion of the RGV into the left or right portal branches may maintain patency of the intrahepatic portal system and, in case of unsuccessful recanalization of the porta, may represent the sole pathway for placing a TIPS     

Combined transhepatic and transjugular approach for mechanical thrombectomy of massive TIPS thrombosis

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a well-validated decompressive therapy option to manage ascites and variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension. Complications following TIPS procedures include hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, and TIPS dysfunction. TIPS dysfunction is due to occlusion or stenosis of the TIPS shunt and can be caused by acute or chronic thrombosis. TIPS thrombosis is often treated with mechanical thrombectomy or catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy. Most cases of in-stent occlusion can be treated via a transjugular approach with recanalization or placement of additional stents. We present a case of a 72-year-old female who presented with worsening ascites 17 months after initial TIPS procedure; she was found to have a large thrombus completely occluding the TIPS stent. In our case, a combined transhepatic and transjugular approach was required for TIPS revision given the extent of well-organized clot located near the hepatic venous end of the stent, resulting from prolonged stent occlusion. This was an extremely challenging scenario with two overlapping covered stents and a bare metal stent at the hepatic venous end in the setting of chronic thrombosis and a well-organized fibrous cap. The case highlights the need for optimal initial placement of the primary TIPS shunt to avoid the need for subsequent complex interventions to maintain TIPS shunt patency.     

Quantitative evaluation of the hepatic functional reserve using technetium-99m DTPA-galactosyl human serum albumin before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), a new therapeutic method, has been performed widely for the treatment of portal hypertension. TIPS produces a decrease in the portal blood flow to the hepatic parenchyma, which is considered to cause a reduction in hepatic functional reserve. To evaluate the changes in hepatic functional reserve after TIPS, we performed technetium-99m DTPA-galactosyl human serum algumin (^99mTc-GSA) hepatic scintigraphy before and after TIPS in eight male patients, ranging in age from 54 to 72 years (mean 62.2 years). Two quantitative indices – blood clearance index (uptake ratio of the heart at 15 min to that at 3 min, HH15) and hepatic accumulation index (uptake ratio of the liver to the liver plus heart at 15 min, LHL15) – were calculated from the time-activity curves of the heart and liver. Early and late uptake constant indices (early and late KU) were also calculated from the time-activity curves of the heart and liver by means of Patlak plot. The values of HH15, LHL15 and late KU deteriorated after TIPS in all patients. Early KU (1–3 min) decreased by more than 55% in two patients who showed a poor prognosis and corresponded well with the status of the portosystemic shunt. It is concluded that ^99mTc-GSA hepatic scintigraphy is a useful means of evaluating the degree to which hepatic function is compromised following TIPS. The post-TIPS alterations in HH15, LHL15 and late KU (5–10 min) reflect the changes in hepatic functional reserve, and early KU is a useful index for evaluating the degree of portosystemic shunt. Received 8 April and in revised form 16 June 1997     

经颈静脉肝内门体静脉分流术术前MRA评价

目的探讨磁共振血管成像（MRA）在经颈静脉肝内门体静脉分流术（TIPS）术前检查中的应用。方法对59例拟行TIPS治疗的患者行术前MRA检查,观察引起门静脉高压的病因、肝静脉及门静脉形态、走行,测量穿刺点处血管管径,并与正常对照组（50例）比较。结果门静脉高压组中单纯肝硬化49例,肝硬化合并肝癌4例,单纯门静脉血栓3例,脾静脉狭窄1例,布-加综合征2例。门静脉高压组与正常对照组肝静脉分型（3支型∶2支型∶1支型）分别为14∶39∶12、12∶34∶14 肝右静脉、肝中静脉、肝左静脉穿刺点管径符合数为52∶40∶28、46∶34∶23。门静脉右支和左支安全穿刺点分别位于（16.2&#177;3.1）mm、（14.2&#177;3.8）mm以远。结论MRA是一种有价值无损伤的检查方法,对TIPS术前疾病诊断及血管定位有着重要的意义。     

Efficacy of Doppler ultrasonography for assessment of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt patency

Purpose To assess the efficacy of Doppler ultrasonography (US) as a noninvasive method for monitoring patency of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods Twenty-nine patients who had received TIPS for bleeding esophagogastric varices and/or refractory ascites with portal hypertension underwent Doppler US studies within 2 weeks after TIPS. Further studies were performed in 15 of them at 6 months, in 9 at 1 year, and in 4 at 2 years for a total of 57 US studies. The US findings were compared with the angiographic findings obtained at the same time. Results In 45 of the 57 studies, shunt patency was found by Doppler US, correlating to 44 patencies and one occlusion on angiography. Doppler signal in the shunt could not be detected in 12 studies resulting in the diagnosis of shunt occlusion. This correlated with angiographic occlusion in 8 studies and patency in the remaining 4. All angiographically patent shunts that were occluded by Doppler US had various degrees of stenosis. A number of technical factors were found to be responsible for Doppler US false-positive or false-negative diagnoses, some related to the type of stent used. The Doppler US sensitivity was therefore 92%, the specificity 89%. Conclusion Doppler US is a reliable noninvasive method to evaluate patency of TIPS.     

TIPS术后脑默认网络的静息态功能磁共振成像研究

目的：运用静息态功能磁共振成像（rs—fMRI）研究经颈静脉肝内门体分流术（TIPS）对肝硬化患者脑默认网络（DMN）的影响。方法：10例拟行TIPS治疗的肝硬化患者（患者组）和10例正常对照者（对照组）纳入本研究。10例正常对照者及10例患者术前、术后（平均8天）均行rs-fMRI。利用独立成分分析方法分离得到各受试者的默认网络脑区,采用单样本t检验对患者术前和对照组进行组内分析,观察各自的DMN空间分布模式;分别对患者TIPS术前与正常对照组、患者TIPS术后与术前的DMN功能连接进行组间比较,观察静息状态下脑默认网络的改变情况。结果：TIPS术前肝硬化患者和正常对照组均显示出典型的静息态脑默认网络空间分布模式。与正常对照组相比,TIPS术前肝硬化患者默认网络脑区功能连接既有降低也有增高,降低脑区包括左侧额中回背外侧、双侧顶下小叶及颞叶;增高的脑区主要位于双侧后扣带回、楔前叶及内侧前额叶。与TIPS术前相比,患者术后出现双侧楔前叶及角回功能连接增强,而后扣带回及内侧前额叶功能连接度减低。结论：静息状态下,TIPS术后早期肝硬化患者脑默认网络功能连接即出现改变,既有功能连接减低也有增强,提示TIPS对肝硬化患者脑默认网络既有功能损伤又有代偿机制。