Long‐term outcome of a covered vs. uncovered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in Budd–Chiari syndrome

Background: The clinical outcome of a covered vs. uncovered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is as yet largely unknown. Objectives: To compare patency rates of bare and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐covered stents, and to investigate clinical outcome using four prognostic indices [Child–Pugh score, Rotterdam BCS index, modified Clichy score and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD)]. Methods: Consecutive patients with BCS who had undergone TIPS between January 1994 and March 2006 were evaluated in a retrospective review in a single centre. Results: Twenty‐three TIPS procedures were performed on 16 patients. The primary patency rate at 2 years was 12% using bare and 56% using covered stents (P=0.09). We found marked clinical improvement at 3 months post‐TIPS as determined by a drop in median Child–Pugh score (10–7, P=0.04), Rotterdam BCS index (1.90–0.83, P=0.02) and modified Clichy score (7.77–2.94, P=0.003), but not in MELD (18.91–17.42, P=0.9). Survival at 1 and 3 years post‐TIPS was 80% (95% CI: 59–100%) and 72% (95% CI: 48–96%). Four patients (25%) died and one required liver transplantation. Conclusions: A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using PTFE‐covered stents shows better patency rates than bare stents in BCS. Moreover, TIPS leads to an improvement in important prognostic indicators for the survival of patients with BCS.     

Polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent grafts for TIPS procedure: 1-year patency and clinical results

OBJECTIVES: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stent grafts appear to have the potential to improve TIPS patency, but data available are few and controversial. The aim of this prospective nonrandomized trial was to assess TIPS safety and 1-yr patency with a new commercially available PTFE-covered stent graft in comparison with a group of historical controls treated with conventional stents. METHODS: Between July 1992 and December 1999, 87 consecutive cirrhotics underwent TIPS with conventional stents, while from January 2000 to November 2001, 32 consecutive cirrhotics were treated with PTFE-covered stent grafts. All patients were followed by the same medical team according to a prospective protocol for a diagnostic work-up and a surveillance strategy. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for age, sex, etiology, and severity of cirrhosis. The 1-yr probability of remaining free of shunt dysfunction tended to be higher in the covered stent group: 76.3% (95% CI = 58.7-93.9%) versus 57.5% (95% CI = 46.6-68.4%); log rank test: p = 0.055. However, stenoses inside the stent were significantly higher in patients with bare stents (88% vs 17%), while stenoses at the hepatic or portal vein were more frequent in PTFE-covered stent-graft group (50% vs 9% and 33% vs 3%, respectively), (chi2 = 15.42; df = 2.0; p = 0.0004). Stenoses inside the covered portion of the stent did not occur. One-year cumulative rebleeding, encephalopathy, and survival were similar. CONCLUSIONS: PTFE-covered stents are able to solve pseudointimal hyperplasia within the stent tract, but have a high incidence of hepatic or portal vein stenosis. Improvements in stent design and insertion techniques are necessary to fully achieve the potential benefit of this new device.     

PTFE-covered stents improve TIPS patency in Budd-Chiari syndrome

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) have been shown to be an efficient portal-systemic derivative treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients uncontrolled by medical therapy. However, the main drawback of TIPS for this condition is a very high rate of shunt dysfunction. Recently, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents have been shown to reduce the incidence of TIPS dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of TIPS dysfunction in 2 cohorts of BCS patients treated with bare or PTFE-covered stents. The study included 25 TIPS procedures (16 bare stents and 9 covered stents) with a median follow-up period of 20.4 months (range, 3.9-124.8). Fourteen of 16 patients (87%) receiving bare stents had TIPS dysfunction compared to 3 of the 9 patients (33%) receiving PTFE-covered stents (P = .005). The actuarial rates of primary patency in the bare-stent group were 19% at 1 year compared with 67% in the PTFE-covered stent group (P = .02; log-rank test). The number of additional interventional procedures to maintain TIPS patency was significantly greater in the bare-stent than in the PTFE-covered stent group (1.9 +/- 1.2 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.9; P = .007). The number of patients with clinical relapses was greater in the bare-stent group compared to the PTFE-covered stent group (13 vs. 5 episodes in 9 and 3 patients, respectively). In conclusion, PTFE-covered stents have a considerable advantage over bare stents for the TIPS treatment of BCS patients, with a lower dysfunction rate, a lower number of reinterventions, and fewer prosthesis requirements. PTFE-covered stents are preferable in patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome.     

Selection of a TIPS stent for management of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis: An evidence-based review

Nowadays,transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)has become a mainstay treatment option for the management of portal hypertension-related complications in liver cirrhosis.Accumulated evidence has shown that its indications are being gradually expanded.Notwithstanding,less attention has been paid for the selection of an appropriate stent during a TIPS procedure.Herein,we attempt to review the current evidence regarding the diameter,type,brand,and position of TIPS stents.Several following recommendations may be considered in the clinical practice:(1)a 10-mm stent may be more effective than an 8-mm stent for the management of portal hypertension,and may be superior to a 12-mm stent for the improvement of survival and shunt patency;(2)covered stents are superior to bare stents for reducing the development of shunt dysfunction;(3)if available,Viatorr stent-grafts may be recommended due to a higher rate of shunt patency;and(4)the placement of a TIPS stent in the left portal vein branch may be more reasonable for decreasingthe development of hepatic encephalopathy.However,given relatively low quality of evidence,prospective well-designed studies should be warranted to further confirm these recommendations.     

双支架技术在TIPS治疗中的临床应用研究

目的观察采用双支架技术模拟Viatorr支架在TIPS中的应用效果。方法整群抽取2004年6月至2012年6月本院收治肝硬化门静脉高压出血和顽固性腹水患者242例,将2004年6月至2009年6月采用裸支架技术治疗的入组患者186例设为裸支架组(对照组),将2009年6月至2012年6月采用双支架技术模拟Viatorr支架方法治疗的入组患者56例设为模拟Viatorr组(观察组)。两组患者进行前后对照临床试验研究。两组患者在治疗前性别、年龄、肝功能Child分级及门静脉高压并发症等方面均无显著差异。模拟Viatorr组在分流道开通后先释放1枚8 mm×60 mm的裸支架,根据球囊上肝静脉-门静脉切迹,释放1枚8 mm×40 mm的覆膜支架,覆膜部分覆盖肝实质全程而不阻挡门静脉入肝血流,其余部分伸入肝静脉内。裸支架组(对照组)分流道开通后只放置1枚8 mm×60 mm的裸支架。两组患者常规用弹簧栓子栓塞胃冠状静脉。结果模拟Viatorr组56例均获得成功,裸支架组186例中有2例不成功,改为其他治疗。技术成功率分别为100%和98.9%。两组分流道建立后门静脉压力分别下降了(18±5.7)cm H2O和(18±3.4)cm H2O。随访12~36个月,用彩色多普勒超声观察分流道通畅情况。模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组分流道累计通畅率分别为67.8%和41.9%,差异有显著统计学意义(P=0.0007);模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组复发再出血率分别为21.4%和40%,差异显著有统计学意义(P=0.0056);模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组肝性脑病发生率分别为19.6%和10.2%,差异无统计学意义(P=0.0605)。模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组在治疗顽固性腹水的有效率分别为80%和72.7%,差异无统计学意义(P=0.425)。模拟Viatorr组有1例患者术后出现腹腔感染,抗感染治疗后好转;1例患者于术后2个月出现支架肝静脉端"盖帽",再次介入干预时未能成功。裸支架组有3例患者腹腔穿刺证实为腹腔内出血,经保守治疗后好转,无其他严重并发症发生。随访期间,模拟Viatorr组有7例(12.5%)、裸支架组有47例(25.2%)患者因分流道严重狭窄闭塞进行了1~3次再通术和支架植入术;模拟Viatorr组有5例、裸支架组有39例分别死于肝功能衰竭、肝癌和多器官衰竭。结论双支架模拟Viatorr支架方法能够提高TIPS中远期分流道通畅率,降低再出血率。     

Patency of stents covered with polytetrafluoroethylene in patients treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: long-term results of a randomized multicentre study.

An 80% dysfunction rate at 2 years limits the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The use of covered stents could improve shunt patency; however, long-term effect and safety remain unknown. Eighty patients randomized to be treated by TIPS either with a covered stent (Group 1) or an uncovered prosthesis (Group 2) were followed-up for 2 years. Doppler US was performed every 3 months. Angiography and portosystemic pressure gradient measurement were performed every 6 months or whenever dysfunction was suspected. Actuarial rates of primary patency in Groups 1 and 2 were 76% and 36% respectively (P=0.001). Clinical relapse occurred in four patients (10%) in Group 1 and 12 (29%) in Group 2 (P<0.05). Actuarial rates of being free of encephalopathy were 67% in Group 1 and 51% in Group 2 (P<0.05). Probability of survival was 58% and 45% at 2 years, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2 (NS). The mean Child-Pugh score improved only in Group 1 (from 8.1+/-1.6 to 7+/-2.2 at 2 years -P<0.05). We also compared the Doppler-US parameters between patent and dysfunctioning shunts. In patent shunts, the mean velocity within the portal vein was significantly higher but the performance of Doppler-US was not accurate enough to predict shunt dysfunction. In conclusion, the improvement in TIPS patency by using covered prostheses is maintained over time with a decreased risk of encephalopathy, while the risk of death was not increased.     

Improved clinical outcome with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) with standard uncovered stents has a 50% one-year primary patency rate, and is complicated by hepatic encephalopathy in 35% of patients. Newer covered stents appear to have improved patency. This large study aimed to assess the shunt function and clinical efficacy of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents in a single centre. METHODS: A total of 316 patients with uncovered stents before the introduction of covered stents (group 1) and 157 patients with the Viatorr Gore polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents at the time of TIPSS creation (group 2) were studied. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 22.8+/-25.4 and 13.1+/-12.5 months, respectively (P<0.01). Shunt insufficiency was greater in group 1 [54 versus 8% at 12 months; relative hazard (RH) 8.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.8-15.5; P<0.001]. The incidence of variceal rebleeding was greater in group 1 (11 versus 6% at 12 months; RH 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.1; P<0.05). The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was greater in group 1 (32 versus 22% at 12 months; RH 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.3; P<0.05). Mortality was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The Viatorr type of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent results in vastly improved patency compared with uncovered stents, with reduced rates of variceal rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy. This type of covered stent has the potential for superior clinical efficacy compared with uncovered stents.     

Current diagnosis and management of post‐transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt refractory hepatic encephalopathy

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has evolved into an important option for management of complications of portal hypertension. The use of polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents enhances shunt patency. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains a significant problem after TIPS placement. The approach to management of patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy typically requires collaboration between different specialties. Patient selection for TIPS requires careful evaluation of risk factors for HE. TIPS procedure‐related technical factors like stent size, attention to portosystemic pressure gradient reduction and use of adjunctive variceal embolization maybe important. Conservative medical therapy in combination with endovascular therapies often results in resolution or substantial reduction of symptoms. Liver transplantation is, however, the ultimate treatment.     

Favorable clinical outcome using a covered stent following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal hypertension

Aims

To compare retrospectively the clinical outcomes in patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using the novel polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents (Fluency) and bare stents.

Materials and methods

Sixty consecutive patients with portal hypertension treated with TIPS from April 2007 to April 2009 were included. TIPS creation was performed with Fluency stent grafts in 30 patients (group A) and with bare stents in 30 patients (group B). Liver function, TIPS patency and clinical outcomes were evaluated every 3 months after procedures.

Results

During hospitalization, there were no cases of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and recurrence of variceal bleedings. Acute shunt occlusion was found in one patient in each group. Follow-ups were performed in group A with average time of 6.16 ± 3.89 months and in group B with 8.34 ± 4.42 months. The rates of recurrent bleeding, shunt occlusion, HE and mortality were 0.03, 0.0, 16.7 and 0% in group A, and 20.0, 30.0, 20.0 and 13.3% in group B, respectively. There was no difference of HE between group A and group B. The decrease of portal pressure and portosystemic pressure gradient, and the increase of portal flow were 34.1 and 23.3%, 60.0 and 52.8%, and 189.5 and 111.1% in group A and B, respectively. There were no differences of liver function between group A and B.

Conclusion

The Fluency stent graft is relatively safe and effective in TIPS creation, with a high patency rate compared with bare stents.     

Covered stents for TIPS: are all problems solved?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used to treat complications of portal hypertension for more than 15 years. The two main drawbacks of TIPS are shunt dysfunction and encephalopathy. Accumulating data and the recent report published by Tripathi et al. show that the use of covered stents improves TIPS patency, by preventing pseudo-intimal hyperplasia, and clinical outcome of patients. Hence, controlled studies are needed to re-assess the role of TIPS using covered stents in the management of portal hypertension.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术后分流道失功再通肝硬化患者预后影响因素分析

目的 探讨影响经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)后分流道失功行再通的肝硬化患者的预后及危险因素分析。方法 回顾性分析2013年1月-2019年2月南京大学医学院附属鼓楼医院收治的因肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血行TIPS术,且术后因分流道失功行再通的69例患者的临床资料,包括患者初次TIPS和再通术中、术前及术后资料;支架参数、门静脉压力梯度、门静脉穿刺部位、实验室指标等。Kaplan-Meier曲线评估再通后患者的累积分流道失功率和生存率,2组间累积通畅率比较采用log-rank检验。Cox回归模型分析影响再通患者术后发生分流道再失功和生存的影响因素。结果 69例患者再通术后28例(40.6%)发生再失功,15例(21.7%)死亡。再失功中位时间11.3个月。患者1、2、3、5年再失功的累积发生率分别为29.8%、41.6%、48.0%、52.7%,累积生存率分别为96.9%、94.8%、83.0%和62.6%。单纯行支架内球囊扩张术患者与行支架置入术患者累积通畅率比较差异有统计学意义(χ^2=9.494,P=0.009)。初次TIPS前肝功能CTP分级、初次手术支架直径、再通前INR和PT水平与再失功相关(P值均<0.05),再通前INR升高是分流道再失功的独立危险因素[风险比(HR)=4.398, 95%可信区间(95%CI):1.848~10.467, P=0.001];再通术中置入支架是分流道再失功的独立保护性因素 (HR=0.370, 95%CI: 0.194~0.704, P=0.002)。初次TIPS术前CTP分级和MELD评分与再通后患者生存相关(P值均<0.05),MELD评分升高是再通后患者死亡唯一的独立危险因素 (HR=1.293, 95%CI: 1.054~1.627, P=0.026)。结论 对于TIPS术后分流道失功行再通术的患者,再通术中置入支架是更合理的选择,而MELD评分升高提示着患者预后较差。     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with covered stents for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

AIM: To evaluate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) with covered stents for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) with main portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT). METHODS: Eleven advanced HCC patients(all male, aged 37-78 years, mean: 54.3 ± 12.7 years) presented with acute massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding(n = 9) or refractory ascites(n = 2) due to tumor thrombus in the main portal vein. The diagnosis of PVTT was based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and color Doppler sonography. The patients underwent TIPS with covered stents. Clinical characteristics and average survival time of 11 patients were analyzed. Portal vein pressure was assessed before and after TIPS. The follow-up period was 2-18 mo. RESULTS: TIPS with covered stents was successfully completed in all 11 patients. The mean portal vein pressure was reduced from 32.0 to 11.8 mmHg(t = 10.756, P = 0.000). Gastrointestinal bleeding was stopped in nine patients. Refractory ascites completely disappeared in one patient and was alleviated in another. Hepatic encephalopathy was observed in six patients and was resolved with drug therapy. During the follow-up, ultrasound indicated the patency of the shunt and there was no recurrence of symptoms. Death occurred 2-14 mo(mean: 5.67 mo) after TIPS in nine cases, which were all due to multiple organ failure. In the remaining two cases, the patients were still alive at the 16- and 18-mo follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: TIPS with covered stents for HCC patients with tumor thrombus in the main portal vein is technically feasible, and short-term efficacy is favorable.     

Covered versus uncovered self-expandable metal stents for malignant biliary strictures: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are used for palliating inoperable malignant biliary strictures. It is unclear if covered metal stents are superior to uncovered metal stents in these patients. We compared clinical outcomes in patients with covered and uncovered stents. Studies using covered and uncovered metallic stents for palliation in patients with malignant biliary stricture were reviewed. Articles were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid journals. Fixed and random effects models were used to calculate the pooled proportions. Initial search identified 1436 reference articles, of which 132 were selected and reviewed. Thirteen studies (n?=?2239) for covered and uncovered metallic stents which met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. Odds ratio for stent occlusion rates in covered vs. uncovered stents was 0.79 (95 % CI?=?0.65 to 0.96). Survival benefit in patients with covered vs. uncovered stents showed the odds ratio to be 1.29 (95 % CI?=?0.95 to 1.74). Pooled odds ratio for migration of covered vs. uncovered stents was 9.9 (95 % CI?=?4.5 to 22.3). Covered stents seemed to have significantly lesser occlusion rates, increased odds of migration, and increased odds of pancreatitis compared to uncovered stents. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival benefit, overall adverse event rate, and patency period of covered vs. uncovered metal stents in patients with malignant biliary strictures.     

Survival in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: ePTFE-covered stentgrafts versus bare stents

In patients with liver cirrhosis, implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) leads to reduction of portal pressure, but not of mortality compared with other therapies. The high stenosis rates of conventional bare stents causes high reintervention rates and costs and may be correlated with poor survival. ePTFE-covered stentgrafts provide much improved patency rates, but their impact on survival is unclear. All suitable patients receiving either bare TIPS (419/466) or undergoing implantation of ePTFE endoprostheses (89/100) in several centers in Austria up to 2002 were included in this retrospective analysis. Both patient groups were compared regarding survival with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Unmatched and 1:1-matched survival analyses were performed. Patients undergoing ePTFE stentgraft implantation had significantly higher survival rates in all analyses. The 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were 93%, 88%, and 76% for the ePTFE-group and 83%, 73%, and 62% for conventional TIPS patients, respectively. The matched survival analyses validated these findings. The model of the stent, patient age, and Child-Pugh Class (CPC) were independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, patients undergoing ePTFE-endoprosthesis implantation had higher survival rates within 2 years after TIPS-implantation. This may be the result of improved patency rates after correct placement (up to the inferior caval vein [ICV]) of the ePTFE stentgraft. These data should be validated in a prospective series.     

Shunting branch of portal vein and stent position predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM:To evaluate the effect of the shunting branch of the portal vein(PV)(left or right)and the initial stent position(optimal or suboptimal)of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 307 consecu5tive cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS placement for variceal bleeding from March 2001 to July 2010 at our center.The left PV was used in 221 patients and the right PV in the remaining 86 patients.And,224 and83 patients have optimal stent position and sub-optimal stent positions,respectively.The patients were followed until October 2011 or their death.Hepatic encephalopathy,shunt dysfunction,and survival were evaluated as outcomes.The difference between the groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis.A Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the predictors.RESULTS:Among the patients who underwent TIPS to the left PV,the risk of hepatic encephalopathy(P=0.002)and mortality were lower(P<0.001)compared to those to the right PV.Patients who underwent TIPS with optimal initial stent position had a higher primary patency(P<0.001)and better survival(P=0.006)than those with suboptimal initial stent position.The shunting branch of the portal vein and the initial stent position were independent predictors of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction after TIPS,respectively.And,both were independent predictors of survival.CONCLUSION:TIPS placed to the left portal vein with optimal stent position may reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and improve the primary patency rates,thereby prolonging survival.     

Comparison between uncovered and covered self-expandable metal stent placement in malignant duodenal obstruction

AIM:To compare the clinical outcomes of uncovered and covered self-expandable metal stent placements in patients with malignant duodenal obstruction.METHODS:A total of 67 patients were retrospectivelyenrolled from January 2003 to June 2013.All patients had symptomatic obstruction characterized by nausea,vomiting,reduced oral intake,and weight loss.The exclusion criteria included asymptomatic duodenal obstruction,perforation or peritonitis,concomitant small bowel obstruction,or duodenal obstruction caused by benign strictures.The technical and clinical success rate,complication rate,and stent patency were compared according to the placement of uncovered(n = 38) or covered(n = 29) stents.RESULTS:The technical and clinical success rates did not differ between the uncovered and covered stent groups(100% vs 96.6% and 89.5% vs 82.8%).There were no differences in the overall complication rates between the uncovered and covered stent groups(31.6% vs 41.4%).However,stent migration occurred more frequently with covered than uncovered stents [20.7%(6/29) vs 0%(0/38),P < 0.05].Moreover,the overall cumulative median duration of stent patency was longer in uncovered than in covered stents [251 d(95%CI:149.8 d-352.2 d) vs 139 d(95%CI:45.5 d-232.5 d),P < 0.05 by log-rank test] The overall cumulative median survival period was not different between the uncovered stent(70 d) and covered stent groups(60 d).CONCLUSION:Uncovered stents may be preferable in malignant duodenal obstruction because of their greater resistance to stent migration and longer stent patency than covered stents.     

Comparison of long‐term outcomes of drug‐eluting stents and bare metal stents for saphenous vein graft stenosis

Objective : Our aim was to compare the long‐term outcomes between drug‐eluting stents and bare‐metal stents for saphenous vein graft stenosis. Background : The ideal type of stent to treat saphenous vein graft stenosis has not been clearly established. Short‐term randomized controlled trial results comparing drug‐eluting stents with bare‐metal stents for saphenous vein graft stenosis are conflicting, intermediate‐term retrospective studies and meta‐analyses at two years suggest no difference in outcomes, and there are no long term follow‐up studies. The need for long term follow‐up data has become emerged with concern over late stent thrombosis. Methods : 246 saphenous vein graft patients undergoing stenting from August 2002–December 2008 were studied. Overall survival and event‐free survival were compared by Kaplan‐Meier method. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated by Cox‐proportional hazards models. Results : We treated 133 patients with DES (median follow‐up four years) and 113 patients with BMS (median follow‐up four years) for SVG stenosis. Overall survival (77.0% ± 3.9% vs. 70.6% ± 4.6%, log‐rank P = 0.60) and MACE‐free survival (57.5% ± 4.6% vs. 56.8% ± 4.9, log‐rank P = 0.70) were not significantly different between the DES and BMS groups. Although BMS was associated with increased risk of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (freedom from TLR 85.2% ± 3.5% vs. 90.0% ± 3.0%, HR 2.07, 95% CI 0.97–4.42, log‐rank P = 0.05), there was no significant difference in the freedom from myocardial infarction (86.7% ± 3.3% vs. 88.7% ± 3.2%, log‐rank P = 0.39) or target vessel revascularization (77.1% ± 4.2% vs. 76.1% ± 4.2%, log‐rank P = 0.33) between the two groups. Conclusions : Although mortality is not statistically different between DES and BMS for SVG stenosis, BMS is associated with increased risk of revascularization, thus suggesting the superiority of DES over BMS in the long term. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS): a decade later

Since the introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) 10 years ago, it has been used increasingly in the management of portal hypertension and its complications. TIPS is now considered the procedure of choice for management of refractory variceal bleeding. Its role in the management of refractory ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatopulmonary syndrome still awaits further prospective studies. The two main complications of TIPS are hepatic encephalopathy and shunt malfunction. Generally, TIPS stenosis or occlusion is a major drawback requiring routine surveillance of TIPS with doppler ultrasound. Venography with balloon dilation of the stent or placement of serial or parallel stents may be required in some cases. Promising modalities of preventing TIPS malfunction (e.g., brachy-therapy, covered stents, or anti-platelet derived growth factor) are currently being investigated.     

Percutaneous stenting and chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer: Comparison of irradiation stents vs conventional metal stents

ObjectivesPercutaneous stenting is a palliative method to relieve obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of irradiation stents and conventional metal stents.MethodsA total of 32 patients who received irradiation stents or conventional metal stents to treat obstructive jaundice caused by locally advanced pancreatic cancer were included in this retrospective study. Chemotherapy using gemcitabine was performed after jaundice subsided. Stent patency, technical success, survival, and complications were compared between groups.ResultsSeventeen patients were enrolled in the irradiation stent group (ISG), and 15 patients were enrolled in the uncovered stent group (USG). Median and mean stent patency time were 9.8 months (95% CI, 7.682–11.981) and 9.506 months (95% CI, 8.0–11.012) in the ISG, respectively, vs 8.8 months (95% CI, 6.528–11.072) and 7.62 months (95% CI, 5.917–9.323) in the USG, respectively (P = 0.019). Median and mean overall survival were 10.4 months (95% CI, 8.383–12.417) and 9.953 months (95% CI, 8.408–11.498), respectively, in the ISG vs 9.7 months (95% CI, 7.901–11.499) and 8.14 months (95% CI, 6.44–9.84), respectively, in the USG (P = 0.027).ConclusionsIrradiation stents extend stent patency and overall survival compared with conventional biliary stents for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma complicated by obstructive jaundice. Irradiation stents combined with chemotherapy may be a better choice for the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an interventional treatment resulting in decompression of the portal system by creation of a side-to-side portosystemic anastomosis. Since its introduction 16 years ago, more than 1,000 publications have appeared demonstrating broad acceptance and increasing clinical use. This review summarizes our present knowledge about technical aspects and complications, follow-up of patients and indications. A technical success rate near 100% and a low occurrence of complications clearly depend on the skills of the operator. The follow-up of the TIPS patient has to assess shunt patency, liver function, hepatic encephalopathy and the possible development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Shunt patency can best be monitored by duplex sonography and can avoid routine radiological revision. Short-term patency may be improved by anticoagulation, while such a treatment does not influence long-term patency. Stent grafts covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene show promising long-term patency comparable with that of surgical shunts. With respect to the indications of TIPS, much is known about treatment of variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The thirteen randomized studies that are available to date show that survival is comparable in patients receiving TIPS or endoscopic treatment for acute or recurrent variceal bleeding. Another group comprises patients with refractory ascites and related complications, such as hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic hydrothorax. It has been demonstrated that TIPS improves these complications. Five randomized studies comparing TIPS with paracentesis and one study comparing TIPS with the peritoneo-venous shunt showed good response of ascites but controversial results on survival. In addition, TIPS has been successfully applied to patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, portal vein thrombosis, before liver transplantation, and for the treatment of ectopic variceal bleeding.