Exploration of interventional therapy strategy for portal vein occlusion: a case series study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the candidates, efficacy and safety of interventional therapies in the treatment of portal vein occlusion (PVO). METHODS: In our study, 13 patients diagnosed with PVO were included. Of all 13 patients, two received percutaneous portal vein recanalization (PVR), 10 received PVR and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS), and one underwent intrahepatic portal branch-large collateral vessel shunt. RESULTS: Interventional approaches were completed in all patients, and the technical success rate was 100%. The portal pressure gradient of patients treated with PVR-TIPS fell from 31 ± 4 to 12 ± 3 mmHg. During the procedures, no life-threatening complications occurred. All the clinical symptoms were effectively controlled after the interventional therapies and all the patients survived during the follow-up, with no rebleeding or overt hepatic encephalopathy. But stent thrombosis occurred in one patient, the cumulative rate of stent patency was 92%. CONCLUSION: Interventional therapy was proved to be a well tolerated and effective strategy for PVO. For PVO patients without high intrahepatic resistance, if the patient is equipped with available portal inflow tract (superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein) and outflow tract (intrahepatic portal branches), PVR is the first choice; if the outflow tract is completely blocked with only available inflow tract, PVR-TIPS can be considered. For PVO patients with high intrahepatic resistance, as long as there is an available portal inflow tract, PVR-TIPS can be adopted.

Mesoatrial Shunt for Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The long-term efficacy of mesoatrial shunt (MAS) for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is not well studied. The purpose of our study was to investigate the long-term outcome and efficacy of MAS for BCS. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients who underwent MAS for BCS from April 1986 to November 1995. Records of patients' clinical presentations, laboratorial investigation, Doppler duplex ultrasonography, radiologic image, and treatment outcomes were all retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Follow-up intervals ranged from 1 year and 2 months to 30 years and 2 months (mean, 17 years and 8 months). Portal pressure decreased significantly from 35.72 ± 3.52 cm H2O to 27.86 ± 5.83 cm H2O post-MAS (P = 0.001). The 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year patency were 72.7%, 54.5%, 36.4%, respectively; 63.3% of patients had survived for more than 10 years and 45.5% for more than 20 years. A male has been alive with patent shunt for 28 years and 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: The MAS with enforced rings is an effective therapeutic modality for BCS with cautious perioperative management.

Surgical management of portal hypertension in children.

The management of children with portal hypertension has dramatically changed during the past decade, with an improvement in outcome. This has been achieved by improved efficiency of endoscopic variceal control and the success of liver transplantation. Emergency surgical shunt procedures are rarely required, with acute bleeding episodes generally controlled endoscopically or, occasionally in adults, by interventional radiological procedures. Portosystemic shunts may be considered as a bridge to transplant in adults but are rarely used in this context in children. Nontransplant surgery or radiological interventions may still be indicated for noncirrhotic portal hypertension when the primary cause can be cured and to allow normalization of portal pressure before liver parenchyma is damaged by chronic secondary changes in some specific diseases. The meso-Rex bypass shunt is used widely but is limited to those with a favorable anatomy and can even be performed preemptively. Elective portosystemic shunt surgery is reserved for failure to respond to conservative management in the absence of alternative therapies.

Experience with duplex sonographic evaluation of meso-rex bypass in extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

Meso-Rex bypass is a surgical procedure for managing extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children. Although duplex sonography has been used for assessing the patency of the bypass graft and the changes in the intrahepatic portal venous system after the surgery, there was little sonographic description of functioning and dysfunctioning bypass grafts found in the literature. In this case series, we retrospectively evaluated duplex sonography of functioning and dysfunctioning bypass grafts in 5 pediatric patients who received meso-Rex bypass grafts. Sonography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively within 48 hours, 1 to 2 weeks later, and at follow-up 1 month and up to 3 years later. Changes in the direction and velocity of the flow in the intrahepatic portal veins and bypass grafts and diameters of the grafts and the left portal veins were analyzed. Preoperative sonography revealed varied extension of extrahepatic portal vein occlusion with cavernous transformation and diminished intrahepatic portal venous flow, whereas postoperative studies showed a rapid increase of the intrahepatic portal flow via the meso-Rex bypass graft in all cases. A patent graft with reversed flow in the left portal vein was a predominant feature of a functioning graft. In contrast, absent flow in the graft with diminished flow or an altered flow direction in the left portal vein indicated graft failure. It is believed that duplex sonography provides a valuable tool for monitoring the hemodynamic changes in the portal venous system and detecting graft malfunction.

Biomechanical evaluation of different numbers, sizes and placement configurations of ligaclips required to secure cellophane bands.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number, size, and configuration of ligaclips most resistant to tensile forces when applied to cellophane bands. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical evaluation. SAMPLE POPULATION: Single-layer and triple-layer cellophane bands, 9.0 and 11.5 mm ligaclips. METHODS: Triple-layer bands were secured with a different number (2-5), size (9.0 or 11.5 mm) or configuration (linear or alternating placement) of ligaclips and mechanically tested. Force-deformation curves were generated and yield load in Newtons (N) was determined for each variable. A 3-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's tests was used for statistical comparisons. Yield load for single-layer and triple-layer bands secured with 4 alternating 11.5 mm ligaclips was compared using a paired-sample (independent) t-test with P<.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Mean yield load increased as the number of ligaclips applied increased, but this effect began to plateau after application of the 4th clip. Mean yield load for 11.5 mm ligaclips was significantly higher than for 9.0 mm ligaclips (P<.001) and for the alternating configuration compared with the linear configuration (P<.001). Yield load for 4 alternating 11.5 mm ligaclips applied to triple-layer cellophane bands was significantly greater than the same configuration applied to single-layer cellophane bands (P<.001). CONCLUSION: 11.5 mm ligaclips applied in an alternating configuration and on triple-layer cellophane provided most resistance to tensile forces. The resistance to tensile forces increased significantly as the number of ligaclips applied increased from 1 to 4/band. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons should be aware that the number, size, and configuration of ligaclips and cellophane thickness affect their resistance to tensile forces.

Successful transfemoral creation of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with use of the Viatorr device.

Although the large majority of cases are anatomically favorable and therefore technically feasible, congenital or acquired conditions may complicate or even preclude successful creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The present report describes the use of the inferior right hepatic vein from a femoral vein access to obtain portal access and place a covered stent, reconstruct a partially occluded portal vein, and embolize large gastric varices in a patient with a persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) and absent right SVC.

Small-diameter PTFE portosystemic shunts: portocaval vs mesocaval.

Fifty-seven patients with failed sclerotherapy received a mesocaval interposition shunt with an externally supported, ringed polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis of either 10 or 12 mm diameter. Thirty-one patients had Child-Pugh grade A disease and 26 grade B; all had a liver volume of 1000-2500 ml. Follow-up ranged from 16 months to 6 years 3 months. Three patients (5 per cent) died in the postoperative period. There were two postoperative recurrences of variceal haemorrhage and one recurrent bleed in the second year after surgery. The cumulative shunt patency rate was 95 per cent and the incidence of encephalopathy 9 per cent; the latter was successfully managed by protein restriction and/or lactulose therapy. The actuarial survival rate for the whole group at 6 years was 78 per cent, for those with Child-Pugh grade A 88 per cent and for grade B 67 per cent. Small-lumen mesocaval interposition shunting achieves portal decompression, preserves hepatopetal flow, has a low incidence of shunt thrombosis, prevents recurrent variceal bleeding and is not associated with significant postoperative encephalopathy.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure: efficacy of 10-mm versus 12-mm Wallstents.

PURPOSE: To compare results of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement with 10- and 12-mm Wallstents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six TIPS procedures in 47 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Wallstents that were 10 mm in diameter were used in 23 patients, and those that were 12 mm in diameter were used in 23 patients. Immediate results were compared, which included initial portosystemic gradient and Doppler measurements of blood flow velocity through the shunt at 1 day. Long-term patency and velocities were also assessed. RESULTS: TIPS were successfully created in 46 of 47 patients (98%). In one patient in the 10-mm group, the portal vein could not be accessed. When compared with TIPS in the 10-mm group, TIPS placed in the 12-mm group required dilation to larger diameters (mean, 11.1 vs 9.2 mm; P < .0001) to achieve an identical target gradient of 10 mm Hg and exhibited lower 1-day velocities (mean, 1.3 m/sec vs 1.7 m/sec; P < .03). The 1-day occlusion rate was 17% (four of 23 patients) in the 12-mm group versus 0% in the 10-mm group (P < .02). Patient survival was statistically significantly less in the 12-mm group (P < .03). CONCLUSION: Twelve-millimeter Wallstents yield statistically significantly poorer short- and long-term results in TIPS procedures. This is most likely due to the decreased radial strength of the larger stent, which is 50% less than that of the 10-mm stent.

The hemodynamics of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: investigations with Doppler sonography and development of an in vitro model.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated Doppler sonography-based measurements of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) function and developed an in vitro model of normal TIPS hemodynamics. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the results of all trans-TIPS manometries (N = 116) performed during a 24-month period. Portosystemic pressure gradient was compared with peak stent velocity as measured by angle-corrected Doppler sonography. A flow phantom simulating TIPS was created using 8-, 10-, and 12-mm-diameter wire-mesh stents placed in cylindrical channels with lengths ranging from 3.4 to 6.0 cm. RESULTS: Among 50 trans-TIPS manometries with corresponding Doppler sonography performed on well-functioning shunts, measured portosystemic pressure gradient and peak velocity were not correlated (R2 = .014). On the basis of a regression of measurements in the flow phantom, pressure loss in a stented cylindrical channel was estimated as follows: delta p = rho.(0.145 -0.001.Rey + 0.816.L/D).(Vmean2/2), where rho is the fluid density, Rey is the Reynolds number, L is the channel length, D is the stent diameter, and Vmean is the time-averaged velocity within the stent. Predicted and measured pressure gradients were correlated (R2 = .91). CONCLUSION: Peak velocity in patients with a normally functioning TIPS does not predict the magnitude of the portosystemic pressure gradient.

Hepatic venoocclusive disease as a complication of whole abdominopelvic irradiation and treatment with the transjuglar intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: case report and literature review.

We report the novel use of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for the treatment of intractable ascites due to hepatic venooclusive disease as a result of whole abdominopelvic radiotherapy. A patient with Stage III endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium treated with postoperative whole abdominopelvic irradiation developed intractable ascites. Multiple paracenteses and computerized tomography were negative for recurrent carcinoma. Liver biopsy demonstrated hepatic venoocclusive disease, a rare complication of therapeutic radiation involving the liver. Successful relief of ascites and its adverse symptomology were achieved with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Relevant literature regarding the pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment of radiotherapy-related hepatic venoocclusive disease are reviewed.

[Acute esophagus variceal hemorrhage and portal vein thrombosis as a complication of TIPSS. An unusual emergency indication for liver transplantation]. / Akute Oesophagusvaricenblutung und Pfortaderthrombose als Komplikation nach TIPSS. Eine ungewöhnliche Notfallindikation zur Lebertransplantation.

Acute oesophageal variceal bleeding is a severe complication of portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis. The mortality of the first bleeding runs up to 50%. Recurrent bleeding deteriorates the long-term prognosis. The therapy of first choice for acute oesophageal haemorrhage is endoscopic sclerotherapy. A new option to decompress portal hypertension for patients who continue to bleed despite sclerotherapy is TIPSS-implantation. We report on a patient suffering from recurrent oesophageal haemorrhage caused by portal hypertension due to postalcoholic liver cirrhosis, who developed a portal vein thrombosis after TIPSS-implantation. TIPSS-procedure permitted a bridging period for five months, until eventually a severe uncontrollable oesophageal haemorrhage occurred and emergency liver transplantation was needed. The patient was discharged after 6 weeks from the hospital in excellent condition.

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a new therapy for portal hypertension].

Thirty-five patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis secondary to chronic viral hepatitis underwent transjuglar intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the last 3-year period. Shunts were successfully completed in 31 of 35 patients at 89%. Portal vein pressure was markedly reduced on average in the all cases until 6 months after TIPS. The endoscopic findings of varices much improved in 90% of the patients. Long-term patency rates of TIPS were 97% after 4 weeks, 79% after 6 months, 76% after a year and 55% after 2 years, respectively. The authors concluded that TIPS was an effective and reliable means of lowering portal pressure, improving endoscopic findings of varices and controlling of refractory ascites.

Post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy treated by occlusion balloon-assisted retrograde embolization of a coexisting spontaneous splenorenal shunt.

A 51-year-old man with posthepatitis cirrhosis underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for bleeding of recurrent esophageal varices. The patient had a coexisting, spontaneous, splenorenal shunt. He subsequently developed hepatic encephalopathy, presumably due to excessive portosystemic shunting. Since medical management resulted in no significant improvement, the splenorenal shunt was embolized from the jugular vein approach via renal vein access during temporary balloon occlusion. Within a few days, the patient's hepatic encephalopathy resolved. Twelve months later the patient showed no recurrence of encephalopathy and had maintained a patent TIPS.

[Initial clinical experiences with TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent-shunt)]. / Erste klinische Erfahrungen mit TIPS (transjugulärer intrahepatischer portosystemischer Stent-Shunt).

15 patients with predominantly alcoholtoxic liver cirrhosis (mean age 50 years; 8 men and 7 women) were treated by the technically successful implantation of a transjugular portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) within a period of 1 year. The indications for TIPS implantation were the following: gastroesophageal bleedings in 12 cases (10 patients with recurrent variceal bleeding including 2 emergency cases with severe bleeding resistant to conventional therapy and 2 patients with exclusively gastral bleeding due to severe hypertensive gastropathy) and ascites resistant to conventional therapy in 3 cases. Portovenous pressure could be effectively reduced by mean of 37%. Within a mean observation period of 8 months 13 patients including the emergency cases remained without recurrent bleeding. Duplexsonography showed patent stents. 1 patient suffered from an early recurrent bleeding due to occlusion of the stent-shunt. The estimation of liver function according to the Child-Pugh-classification showed only minor changes. Before TIPS 9 patients were in class A, 4 in B, 2 in C; after TIPS 8 patients in A, 5 in B and 2 in C. Ascites resolved completely. Following TIPS all patients appeared to abstain from alcohol. After TIPS 5 from 14 surviving patients (36%) developed clinically manifest encephalopathy within the first 4-8 weeks (2 patients with previous episodes of encephalopathy, 2 other patients after withdrawal of lactulose). By enhanced conservative treatment (lactulose, paromomycine and protein restriction) encephalopathy could be overcome. 8 from 11 surviving patients investigated displayed characteristic MRI changes with an increased signal intensity in the basal ganglia (T1 weighted images). According to our preliminary results TIPS represents a new successful interventional regimen for the treatment of portal hypertension in selected cases.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: midterm results in 28 patients.

This paper reports the clinical and procedural results of 28 consecutive TIPS procedures in 25 males and three females with a mean age of 48 years. All patients had cirrhosis with portal hypertension and varices. Twenty-two patients had recurrent bleeding. Shunts were completed in 26 of 28 patients, and no death was associated with the procedure. Portal vein pressure was reduced from 3.98 +/- 0.24 KPa before shunting to 2.40 +/- 0.16 KPa after shunting. Doppler US revealed that the maximum blood flow velocity in the main portal vein increased from 14.0 +/- 4.5 cm/sec to 48.0 +/- 16.5 cm/sec. Shunt patency was determined by color Doppler US in 20 patients. Shunt stenosis was found in five patients and occlusion in one, and these findings were confirmed by angiography. Ascites disappeared in six of eight cases, and varices disappeared completely in 11 patients and abated greatly in 12 patients two months after TIPS. Rebleeding occurred in three cases (occlusion, 1; stenosis, 2) during a mean follow-up time of 6.5 months. One of these cases was successfully redilated. The initial results suggest that TIPS is a safe and effective method of portal decompression and that the key to portal vein puncture is to understand the three-dimensional relationship between the hepatic and portal veins.

Successful reversal of hepatic encephalopathy with intentional occlusion of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

PURPOSE: To establish a safe and effective method for occluding a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients who develop uncontrollable, disabling encephalopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of five patients who developed refractory encephalopathy following TIPS. The indication for TIPS was bleeding in four patients and ascites in one. Wallstents that were 10 mm in diameter and 68 mm long were used to bridge the hepatic parenchyma in all patients. The onset of encephalopathy from the time of the TIPS procedure ranged from 24 hours to 210 days. Because encephalopathy was not responsive to conventional medical management, shunt thrombosis was induced by means of temporary inflation of an 11.5-mm-diameter latex occlusion balloon within the midportion of the stent. RESULTS: All shunts were successfully thrombosed when the balloon was inflated for 12 hours or more. Encephalopathy resolved in four patients and improved in the remaining patient. One patient experienced recurrent bleeding within 24 hours of the TIPS occlusion that was controlled medically. CONCLUSION: Temporary occlusion of a TIPS with latex balloons successfully induces shunt thrombosis and improves encephalopathy. However, the patient is again exposed to risks related to complications of portal hypertension.