Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

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A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, also TIPS, is an artificial channel in the liver from the portal vein to a hepatic vein (for blood). It is created endovascularly (via the blood vessels) by physicians via the jugular vein.

It is used to treat portal hypertension (which often is due to scarring of the liver (liver cirrhosis)) which frequently leads to bleeding esophageal varices.

1 Mechanism of action
2 Implantation
3 Use in hepatorenal syndrome
4 See also
5 Reference
6 External links

[edit] Mechanism of action

A TIPS decreases the effective vascular resistance of the liver. The result is a reduced pressure drop over the liver and a decreased portal venous pressure.

[edit] Implantation

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are typically placed by radiologists under fluoroscopic guidance.^[1] Access to the liver, as the name transjugular suggests, is gained via the jugular vein in the neck. Once access to the jugular vein is confirmed, a guidewire and introducer sheath is typically placed to facilitate the shunt's placement. After the procedure, fluoroscopic images are made to show placement and pressure measurements in the portal vein and inferior vena cava are often done.

[edit] Use in hepatorenal syndrome

TIPS has shown some promise for patients with hepatorenal syndrome.^[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] Reference

^ What You Need to Know about the Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). Cleveland Clinic. URL: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0200/0237.asp?index=4956. Accessed: February 19, 2007.
^ Guevara M, Rodes J. Hepatorenal syndrome. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Jan;37(1):22-6. PMID 15381144.