Influence of different portal vein branches on hepatic encephalopathy during intrahepatic portal shunt via jugular vein

This letter is regarding the study titled ‘Targeted puncture of left branch of intrahepatic portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce hepatic encephalopathy’. Prior to the approval of TIPS dedicated stents (Viatorr stents) in China in October 2015, Fluency covered stents were typically used. As Fluency covered stents have a strong support force and axial elastic tension, a ‘cap’ may form if the stent is located too low at the end of the hepatic vein or too short at the end of the portal vein during surgery, leading to stent dysfunction. Since the blood shunted by the stent is from the main trunk of the portal vein, the correlation between the incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy and the location of the puncture target (left or right portal vein branch) is worth discussion. Notably, no studies in China or foreign countries have proven the occurrence of left and right blood stratification after the accumulation of splenic vein and mesenteric blood flow in the main trunk of the portal vein in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.     

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.     

门静脉左支分流降低术后肝性脑病的临床研究

目的 检测和分析家兔门静脉及其分支的血氨浓度差异从而指导肝内门腔静脉分流术中对门静脉分支的选择,降低分流引起的肝性脑病的发病率。评价选择性门静脉左支作为经颈静脉肝内门腔静脉分流术分流道的临床意义,分析门静脉左、右支的血液动力学变化及重要液递物质浓度差异对术后预防肝性脑病及远期疗效的影响。方法 在家兔门静脉系统各分支分别取血测定血氨浓度并进行比较。341例有目的地选择肝内门静脉左支作为穿刺靶点,行经颈静脉肝内门静脉左支门腔分流术(transjugular intrahepatic leftbranch of portal vein portosystemicshunt,TILPS)建立门腔分流道,避开富含营养、毒素的门静脉右支血液。肝实质通道用8mm直径球囊扩张,限制分流口径。结果 所测得血氨浓度,肠系膜上静脉高于门静脉左、右主支,(19.3±19.3)μmol/L与(156.5±20.9)μmol/L、(176.3±22.5)μmol/L,t值为2.35、2.25,P<0.05;高于脾静脉与腔静脉;门静脉右支高于左支、所有患者术后3个月内无一例发生肝性脑病。随访期间(术后1年),TILPS术后341例患者仅5例 (1.47％)出现肝性脑病,19例(5.57％)出现支架内狭窄。结论 家兔门静脉系统各分支的血氨浓度存在差异,提示肝内门腔静脉分流术中门静脉左右支的选择可能会影响术后肝性脑病的发病率。选     

Clinical study of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with AngioJet thrombectomy for acute portal vein thrombosis in non-cirrhosis

To evaluate the outcomes of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with AngioJet thrombectomy in patients with noncirrhotic acute portal vein (PV) thrombosis.Retrospective analysis from January 2014 to March 2017, 23 patients underwent TIPS combined with AngioJet thrombectomy for acute PV thrombosis in noncirrhosis. The rates of technical success, the patency of the PV, liver function changes, and complications were evaluated.Twenty-three patients underwent combined treatment, with a technical success rate of 100%. Twenty-four hours after treatment, PV thrombosis grade was improved significantly (P = .001). Before and after treatment, Albumin (gm/dl), aspartate transaminase (IU/l), alanine transaminase (IU/l), and platelets (10⁹/L) were all significantly improved (P < .05). Minor complications include hematoma, hematuria, and hepatic encephalopathy. After 1 week of treatment, computed tomography scan revealed 8.7% (2/23) cases of hepatic envelope hematoma (thickness less than 2 cm). Hemoglobinuria occurred in 18/23 (78.3%) patients after treatment and returned to normal within 1 to 2 days. Two patients 2/23 (8.7%) had transient grade I encephalopathy after TIPS. The 1-year overall survival rate was 100% (23/23). No major complications during treatment in all patientsAngioJet thrombectomy via TIPS has a favorable short-term effect in clearing thrombus and alleviating symptoms in diffuse acute PVT. The long-term efficacy of this treatment needs to be further studied.     

Combined transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal hypertension

AIM: To evaluate combination transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and portal hypertension.METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-one patients with HCC and portal hypertension underwent TIPS combined with other interventional treatments(transarterial chemoembolization/transarterial embolization,radiofrequency ablation,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas embolization,and splenic artery embolization) from January 1997 to January 2010 at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Two hundred and nine patients(121 male and 88 female,aged 25-69 years,mean 48.3 ± 12.5 years) with complete clinical data were recruited. We evaluated the safety of the procedure(procedurerelated death and serious complications),change of portal vein pressure before and after TIPS,symptom relief [e.g.,ascites,hydrothorax,esophageal gastricfundus variceal bleeding(EGVB)],cumulative rates of survival,and distributary channel restenosis. The characteristics of the patients surviving ≥ 5 and 5 years were also analyzed.RESULTS: The portosystemic pressure was decreased from 29.0 ± 4.1 mm Hg before TIPS to 18.1 ± 2.9 mm Hg after TIPS(t = 69.32,P 0.05). Portosystemic pressure was decreased and portal hypertension symptoms were ameliorated. During the 5 year followup,the total recurrence rate of resistant ascites or hydrothorax was 7.2%(15/209); 36.8%(77/209) for EGVB; and 39.2%(82/209) for hepatic encephalopathy. The cumulative rates of distributary channel restenosis at 1,2,3,4,and 5 years were 17.2%(36/209),29.7%(62/209),36.8%(77/209),45.5%(95/209) and 58.4%(122/209),respectively. No procedure-related deaths and serious complications(e.g.,abdominal bleeding,hepatic failure,and distant metastasis) occurred. Moreover,Child-Pugh score,portal vein tumor thrombosis,lesion diameter,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas,HCC diagnosed before or after TIPS,stent type,hepatic encephalopathy,and type of other interventional treatments were related to 5 year survival after comparing patient characteristics.CONCLUSION: TIPS combined with other interventional treatments seems to be safe and efficacious in patients with HCC and portal hypertension.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术预防门静脉海绵样变食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的临床应用

目的初步评估经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)用于预防门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)患者食管静脉曲张再出血的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法选取2011年1月至2016年12月在山东省立医院住院,诊断为CTPV且合并食管静脉曲张出血史,行TIPS预防再出血的患者67例,纳入回顾性分析并随访。总结技术成功率、并发症发生率、再出血、支架通畅、肝性脑病及生存情况。结果在67例CTPV患者中,56例(83.6%)患者成功行TIPS术。单独通过颈静脉入路15例,经颈静脉联合经皮经肝入路33例,经颈静脉联合经皮经脾入路8例。TIPS术后平均门-体静脉压力梯度,从(28.09±7.28)mmHg降至(17.53±6.12)mmHg(P<0.01)。平均随访(23.91±12.35)个月,累计无出血率87.0%,支架通畅率81.5%,肝性脑性发生率27.8%,累计生存率88.9%。11例未成功行TIPS术的患者中死亡4例,再次出血4例。结论TIPS用于预防门静脉海绵样变性患者食管静脉曲张再出血,是一种安全、可行、有效的方法。     

Effect of initial stent position on patency of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM To evaluate the effect of initial stent position on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).METHODS We studied 425 patients from January 2004 to January 2015 with refractory ascites or variceal bleeding who required TIPS placement. Patients were randomly divided into group A(stent in hepatic vein, n = 57), group B(stent extended to junction of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava, n = 136), group C(stent in left branch of portal vein, n = 83) and group D(stent in main portal vein, n = 149). Primary unassisted patency was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and incidence of recurrence of bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy(HE) were analyzed.RESULTS The mean primary unassisted patency rate in group B tended to be higher than in group A at 3, 6 and 12 mo(P = 0.001, 0.000 and 0.005), and in group D it tended to be lower than in group C at 3, 6 and 12 mo(P = 0.012, 0.000 and 0.028). The median shunt primary patency time for group A was shorter than for group B(5.2 mo vs 9.1 mo, 95%CI: 4.3-5.6, P = 0.013, logrank test), while for group C it was longer than for group D(8.3 mo vs 6.9 mo, 95%CI: 6.3-7.6, P = 0.025, log-rank test). Recurrence of bleeding and ascites in group A was higher than in group B at 3 mo(P = 0.014 and 0.020), 6 mo(P = 0.014 and 0.019) and 12 mo(P = 0.024 and 0.034. Recurrence in group D was higher than in group C at 3 mo(P = 0.035 and 0.035), 6 mo(P = 0.038 and 0.022) and 12 mo(P = 0.017 and 0.009). The incidence of HE was not significantly different among any of the groups(P = 0.965).CONCLUSION The initial stent position can markedly affect stent patency, which potentially influences the risk of recurrent symptoms associated with shunt stenosis or occlusion.     

Outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt through the left branch vs. the right branch of the portal vein in advanced cirrhosis: a randomized trial

Background/Aims: The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is technically divided into TIPS through the left branch of the portal vein (TIPS‐LBPV) and TIPS through the right branch of the portal vein (TIPS‐RBPV). In order to compare their advantages and disadvantages, this randomized, controlled trial was designed to investigate their outcomes in advanced cirrhotic patients. Methods: Seventy‐two patients were randomly placed into TIPS‐LBPV (36 patients) and TIPS‐RBPV (36 patients, with four failures) groups, and they were prospectively followed for 2 years after TIPS implantation. Results: Patients who underwent the two different kinds of TIPS were balanced during recruitment for this study. The incidences of overall encephalopathy and de novo encephalopathy in the TIPS‐LBPV group were significantly lower than that of the TIPS‐RBPV group during follow‐up (P=0.036 and 0.012 respectively). The incidences of rebleeding or re‐intervention and improvement of ascites were similar between groups (P>0.05). Patients undergoing TIPS‐RBPV required more rehospitalization and incurred more costs than those who underwent TIPS‐LBPV (P=0.030 and 0.039 respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in survival based on a survival curve constructed according to the Kaplan–Meier method (P>0.05). Conclusion: Patients undergoing TIPS‐LBPV had a lower incidence of encephalopathy, less rehospitalization and lower costs after TIPS implantation compared with patients undergoing TIPS‐RBPV.     

The role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the management of portal hypertension

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an interventional radiology technique that has shown a 90% success rate to decompress the portal circulation. As a non-surgical intervention, without requirement for anesthesia and very low procedure-related mortality, TIPS is applicable to severe cirrhotic patients, who are otherwise untreatable, for example, nonsurgical candidates. TIPS constitutes the most frequently employed tool to achieve portosystemic shunting. TIPS acts by lowering portal pressure, which is the main underlying pathophysiologic determinant of the major complications of cirrhosis. Regarding esophagogastric variceal bleeding, TIPS has excellent hemostatic effect (95%) with low rebleeding rate (<20%). TIPS is an accepted rescue therapy for first line treatment failures in 2 settings (1) acute variceal bleeding and (2) secondary prophylaxis. In addition, TIPS offers 70% to 90% hemostasis to patients presenting with recurrent active variceal bleeding. TIPS is more effective than standard therapy for patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient >20mm Hg. TIPS is particularly useful to treat bleeding from varices inaccessible to endoscopy. TIPS should not be applied for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Portosystemic encephalopathy and stent dysfunction are TIPS major drawbacks. The weakness of the TIPS procedure is the frequent need for endovascular reintervention to ensure stent patency. The circulatory effects of TIPS are an attractive approach for the treatment of refractory ascites and hepatorenal syndrome, yet TIPS is not considered first line therapy for refractory ascites owing to unacceptable incidence of portosystemic encephalopathy. Pre-TIPS evaluation taking into account predictors of outcome is mandatory. The improved results achieved with covered-stents might expand the currently accepted recommendations for TIPS use.     

Relationship between pre-TIPS liver perfusion by the portal vein and the incidence of post-TIPS chronic hepatic encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE: In the present study we evaluated the predictive value of pretransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) portal perfusion as assessed by Doppler ultrasonography for the onset of chronic encephalopathy after TIPS. METHODS: A total of 231 cirrhotic patients were followed-up prospectively after TIPS placement. The pattern of intrahepatic portal flow was assessed before TIPS. Patients were divided into two groups according to Doppler findings. Group 1 comprised patients with prograde portal flow (n = 200), whereas group 2 comprised those with loss of portal perfusion (hepatofugal or back-and-forth flow or portal vein thrombosis; n = 31). The presence of chronic encephalopathy during a median follow-up of 32 months was prospectively recorded. The prognostic value of the following parameters for the onset of chronic recurrent encephalopathy after TIPS was evaluated: age, presence of encephalopathy before TIPS, alcoholism, Pugh score, and loss of portal perfusion before TIPS. The independent prognostic value of each variable was tested with a multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of age, incidence of prior episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, and portacaval gradient before and after the procedure; however, liver failure was more severe in patients in group 2 (Pugh score: 9.2 +/- 1.9 vs 10.3 +/- 1.7). The 3-yr survival was identical for both groups; 25% of the 200 patients in group 1 developed chronic encephalopathy as compared to 6% of the 31 patients in group 2 (p = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that loss of portal perfusion and age >65 yr were the only independent predictors of the onset of post-TIPS chronic encephalopathy (odds ratios 0.24 and 1.98, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhotic patients with loss of portal perfusion before TIPS were protected against post-TIPS chronic hepatic encephalopathy despite a more severe liver dysfunction at baseline. The only other independent predictive factor for the onset of this complication was age.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is effective in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis and variceal bleeding

Background: Studies about treatment of patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis(CPVT) are still limited, especially in different types of CPVT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) in all types of CPVT with variceal bleeding. Methods: Patients with CPVT who received TIPS treatment between January 2011 and June 2019 were divided into four types according to the extent of thrombosis. All patients had a history of variceal bleeding. The characteristics and clinical parameters were collected and recorded. Data on procedure success rate, variation in portal vein pressure, rebleeding, hepatic encephalopathy(HE), stent stenosis, and overall mortality were analyzed. Results: A total of 189 patients were included in this study(39 in type 1, 84 in type 2, 48 in type 3, 18 in type 4). The TIPS procedure success rate was 86.2%. The success rate was significantly different among the four types(89.7% vs. 88.1% vs. 83.3% vs. 77.8%, P = 0.001). In the TIPS success group, portal vein pressure was significantly reduced from 27.15 ± 6.59 to 19.74 ± 6.73 mm Hg after the procedure( P 0.001) and the rebleeding rate was significantly lower than that of the fail group(14.7% vs. 30.8%, P = 0.017). In addition, there were no significant differences in HE rate(30.7% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.912) or overall mortality(12.9% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.403) between the TIPS success group and the fail group. In the TIPS success group, we found that the occurrence of HE was significantly different( P = 0.020) among the four types, while there were no significant differences in rebleeding rate( P = 0.669), stent stenosis rate( P = 0.056), or overall mortality( P = 0.690). Conclusions: TIPS was safe and effective in decreasing portal vein pressure and rebleeding rate in patients with CPVT.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis: a critical review of literature

Reports of successful transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) surgery in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are considered anecdotal owing to the technical difficulty of the procedure and potential procedure-related complications. A literature review was undertaken to determine the feasibility and safety of TIPS in the treatment of PVT. All studies in which TIPS was attempted in patients with PVT were identified by searching through the PUBMED and MEDLINE databases. A total of 424 PVT patients undergoing TIPS were reported in 54 articles. The success rate of TIPS insertion was 67–100% in 19 case series. Further, 85 patients with portal cavernoma underwent successful TIPS insertions. Three therapeutic strategies of TIPS placement were used: (1) TIPS placement followed by portal vein recanalization via the shunt, (2) portal vein recanalization via percutaneous approaches followed by TIPS placement, and (3) TIPS insertion between a hepatic vein and a large collateral vessel without portal vein recanalization. Four approaches were used to access the portal vein: transjugular, transhepatic, transsplenic, and transmesenteric. Intra-abdominal hemorrhage secondary to hepatic capsule perforation was lethal in only three patients. No episode of pulmonary embolism was reported. Other procedure-related complications were reversible. The overall incidence of shunt dysfunction and hepatic encephalopathy was 8–33% and 0–50%, respectively. In conclusion, the reviewed studies uniformly support the feasibility and safety of TIPS for PVT even in the presence of portal cavernoma. Further, several major issues that remain unresolved are discussed.     

Acute Budd-Chiari syndrome with liver failure: the experience of a policy of initial interventional radiological treatment using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The optimal management of acute Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with liver failure is controversial. Options include anticoagulation, portal systemic shunting or liver transplantation. In recent years, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) have been tried in place of shunt surgery. We report our experience with a policy of initial interventional radiological treatment (TIPS) in this patient group. METHODS: A consecutive, non-selected series of five patients with acute BCS with liver failure presenting to our liver unit over a 36-month period from October 2000 were treated with a policy of initial attempt at transjugular shunt. RESULTS: Stents were successfully inserted in four patients. In one patient the hepatic vein remnant could not be cannulated. One of the four stented patients had a hepatic venous web. Rapid recurrent portal and hepatic vein thrombosis occurred in one patient despite anticoagulation and trans-shunt thrombectomy. This patient and the patient with failed stenting underwent successful liver transplantation. One successfully stented patient died unexpectedly at home 2 weeks after TIPS insertion. Four of five patients are alive (80%) at a mean follow-up time of 30 months. CONCLUSION: Initial TIPS, with liver transplantation for treatment failures, may be a reasonable, cost-effective and surgery-sparing treatment for acute Budd-Chiari presenting with liver failure.     

Predictors of mortality after transjugular portosystemic shunt

AIM:To investigate if echocardiographic and hemodynamic determinations obtained at the time of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)can provide prognostic information that will enhance risk stratification of patients.METHODS:We reviewed medical records of 467 patients who underwent TIPS between July 2003 and December 2011 at our institution.We recorded information regarding patient demographics,underlying liver disease,indication for TIPS,baseline laboratory values,hemodynamic determinations at the time of TIPS,and echocardiographic measurements both before and after TIPS.We recorded patient comorbidities that may affect hemodynamic and echocardiographic determinations.We also calculated Model for Endstage Liver Disease(MELD)score and Child Turcotte Pugh(CTP)class.The following pre-and post-TIPS echocardiographic determinations were recorded:Left ventricular ejection fraction,right ventricular(RV)systolic pressure,subjective RV dilation,and subjective RV function.We recorded the following hemodynamic measurements:Right atrial(RA)pressure before and after TIPS,inferior vena cava pressure before and after TIPS,free hepatic vein pressure,portal vein pressure before and after TIPS,and hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG).RESULTS:We reviewed 418 patients with portal hypertension undergoing TIPS.RA pressure increased by a mean ± SD of 4.8 ± 3.9 mmH g(P 0.001),HVPG decreased by 6.8 ± 3.5 mmH g(P 0.001).In multivariate linear regression analysis,a higher MELD score,lower platelet count,splenectomy and a higher portal vein pressure were independent predictors of higher RA pressure(R = 0.55).Three variables predicted 3-mo mortality after TIPS in a multivariate analysis:Age,MELD score,and CTP grade C.Change in the RA pressure after TIPS predicted long-term mortality(per 1 mm Hg change,HR = 1.03,95%CI:1.01-1.06,P 0.012).CONCLUSION:RA pressure increased immediately after TIPS particularly in patients with worse liver function,portal hypertension,emergent TIPS placement and history of splenectomy.The increase in RA pressure after TIPS was associated with increased mortality.Age,splenectomy,MELD score and CTP grade were independent predictors of long-term mortality after TIPS.     

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.     

TIPS - Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. A review

At the present time several therapeutic options are used for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension. We will review the main medical publications on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), a procedure seldom used among us. TIPS works as a portocaval side-to-side shunt and decreases the risk of esophageal bleeding through lowering of the portal system pressure and a decrease of the portal hepatic pressure gradient. TIPS consists in the percutaneous insertion, through the internal jugular vein, of a metallic stent under fluoroscopic control in the hepatic parenchyma creating a true porta caval communication. There are several studies demonstrating the efficacy of TIPS, although only a few of them are randomized and control-matched to allow us to conclude that this procedure is safe, efficient and with a good cost benefit ratio. In this review, we search for the analysis of the TIPS utilization, its techniques, its major indications and complications. TIPS has been used in cases of gastroesophageal bleeding that has failed with pharmacologic or endoscopic treatment in patients Child-Pugh B and C. It can be used also as a bridge for liver transplantation. Others indications for TIPS are uncontrolled ascites, hepatic renal syndrome, and hepatic hydrothorax. The main early complications of TIPS using are related to the insertion site and hepatic encephalopathy and the stent occlusion is the chief late complication.     

Effect of technical parameters on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts utilizing stent grafts

AIM: To assess the effect of technical parameters on outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) created using a stent graft.METHODS: The medical records of 68 patients who underwent TIPS placement with a stent graft from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the patient outcomes.Digital Subtraction Angiographic images with a measuring catheter in two orthogonal planes was used to determine the TIPS stent-to-inferior vena cava distance(SIVCD),hepatic vein to parenchymal tract angle(HVTA),portal vein to parenchymal tract angle(PVTA),and the accessed portal vein.The length and diameter of the TIPS stent and the use of concurrent variceal embolization were recorded by review of the patient's procedure note.Data on re-intervention within 30 d of TIPS placement,recurrence of symptoms,and survival were collected through the patient's chart.Cox proportional regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of these technical parameters on primary patency of TIPS,time to recurrence of symptoms,and all-cause mortality.RESULTS: There was no significant associationbetween the SIVCD and primary patency(P = 0.23),time to recurrence of symptoms(P = 0.83),or allcause mortality(P = 0.18).The 3,6,and 12-mo primary patency rates for a SIVCD ≥ 1.5 cm were 82.4%,64.7%,and 50.3% compared to 89.3%,83.8%,and 60.6% for a SIVCD of 1.5 cm(P = 0.29).The median time to stenosis for a SIVCD of ≥ 1.5 cm was 19.1 mo vs 15.1 mo for a SIVCD of 1.5 cm(P = 0.48).There was no significant association between the following factors and primary patency: HVTA(P = 0.99),PVTA(P = 0.65),accessed portal vein(P = 0.35),TIPS stent diameter(P = 0.93),TIPS stent length(P = 0.48),concurrent variceal embolization(P = 0.13) and reinterventions within 30 d(P = 0.24).Furthermore,there was no correlation between these technical parameters and time to recurrence of symptoms or all-cause mortality.Recurrence of symptoms was associated with stent graft stenosis(P = 0.03).CONCLUSION: TIPS stent-to-caval distance and other parameters have no significant effect on primary patency,time to recurrence of symptoms,or all-cause mortality following TIPS with a stent-graft.     

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt: A review of the literature and own experiences

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) technique consists of a transhepatic puncture of the portal vein and stenting of the parenchymal tract between the hepatic and portal veins. Complications of both puncture and stenting are observed in approximately 5% of procedures. Most of the complications are without clinical consequences and the procedural mortality is very low in experienced hands (1%). During a 1 year follow up, 35% of patients were seen to develop stenosis and 15% developed occlusion of the stent-shunt. However, in spite of the considerable incidence of stenosis/occlusion, the rate of variceal rebleeding is rare when patients are followed up carefully by duplex sonography, which allows accurate and early detection of shunt insufficiency. One of the major long-term clinical problems of TIPS is the induction or worsening of hepatic encephalopathy. Although most patients respond to medical treatment, some develop debilitating encephalopathy or progressive liver failure. In these patients, reduction of shunt flow by the implantation of a reducing stent, or its occlusion with a balloon catheter, may be indicated. In conclusion, in spite of many complications, TIPS is relatively safe and efficient and hepatic encephalopathy is manageable in most cases.     

Clinical outcome and predictors of survival after TIPS insertion in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM:To determine the clinical outcome and predictors of survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) implantation in cirrhotic patients. METHODS:Eighty-one patients with liver cirrhosis and consequential portal hypertension had TIPS implantation (bare metal) for either refractory ascites (RA) (n= 27) or variceal bleeding (VB) (n = 54). Endpoints for the study were:technical success, stent occlusion and stent stenosis, rebleeding, RA and mortality. Clinical records of patients were collected and analysed. Baseline characteristics [e.g., age, sex, CHILD score and the model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD score), underlying disease] were retrieved. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to calculate survival from the time of TIPS implantation and comparisons were made by log rank test. A multivariate analysis of factors influencing survival was carried out using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results were expressed as medians and ranges. Comparisons between groups were performed by using the Mann-Whitney Utest and the χ 2 test as appropriate. RESULTS:No difference could be seen in terms of age, sex, underlying disease or degree of portal pressure gradient (PPG) reduction between the ascites and the bleeding group. The PPG significantly decreased from 23.4 ± 5.3 mmHg (VB) vs 22.1 ± 5.5 mmHg (RA) before TIPS to 11.8 ± 4.0 vs 11.7 ± 4.2 after TIPS implantation (P = 0.001 within each group). There was a tendency towards more patients with stage CHILD A in the bleeding group compared to the ascites group (24 vs 6, P = 0.052). The median survival for the ascites group was 29 mo compared to 60 mo for the bleeding group (P = 0.009). The number of radiological controls for stent patency was 6.3 for bleeders and 3.8 for ascites patients (P = 0.029). Kaplan-Meier calculation indicated that stent occlusion at first control (P = 0.027), ascites prior to TIPS implantation (P = 0.009), CHILD stage (P = 0.013), MELD score (P = 0.001) and those patients not having undergone liver transplantation (P = 0.024) were significant predictors of survival. In the Cox regression model, stent occlusion (P = 0.022), RA (P = 0.043), CHILD stage (P = 0.015) and MELD score (P = 0.004) turned out to be independent prognostic factors of survival. The anticoagulation management (P = 0.097), the porto-systemic pressure gradient (P= 0.460) and rebleeding episodes (P = 0.765) had no significant effect on the overall survival. CONCLUSION:RA, stent occlusion, initial CHILD stage and MELD score are independent predictors of survival in patients with TIPS, speaking for a close follow-up in these circumstances.     

经颈静脉肝内门腔静脉分流术治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压的临床研究

目的 探讨经颈静脉肝内门腔静脉分流术(TIPS)治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压的有效性、安全性和临床价值.方法 收集肝癌合并门静脉高压患者95例,其中63例行TIPS治疗(TIPS组),观察术后情况并随访生存期资料,其余32例(对照组)行内科支持治疗,随访生存期资料.评估TIPS组术后情况、术后肝性脑病、再出血、死亡原因等.行Kaplan-Meier生存分析比较两组中位生存时间,分析Child-Pugh分级及终末期肝病评估模式(MELD)评分与术后生存时间的关系.结果 TIPS组术后门静脉压力梯度平均降低13.6 cmH2O(1 cmH2O-0.098 kPa),术后6个月肝性脑病和再出血的累积发生率分别为20.6%和26.3%,截至随访结束死亡56例,其中最终死于门静脉高压破裂出血者12例.TIPS组中位生存期较对照组延长.TIPS组中MELD评分≤13分者中位生存时间大于评分>13分者(x2=4.71,P=0.03),Child-Pugh分级A到C级中位生存时间依次缩短(x2=15.6,P=0.00).结论 TIPS是治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压及其并发症安全有效的方法 ,应根据术前肝功能状况选择手术患者.