Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
Alternate Names : TIPS
Definition
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure to treat complications of severe liver disease, including bleeding from the esophagus or stomach and the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. The procedure involves inserting a stent (tube) to connect blood vessels on each side of the liver to improve the flow of blood across the liver.
Overview & Description
The procedure is typically performed by radiologists. Many patients receive a local anesthesia to numb a small area of the skin plus sedative and pain medications. In certain cases, general anesthesia may be used, where the patient goes to sleep.
A needle is initially placed in the jugular vein in the right side of the neck to make a small hole. Needles and long, thin tubes called catheters can then be advanced down to the veins in the liver.
A needle is inserted across the liver to make a connection with a branch of the portal vein. This channel is then expanded, and a tube called a stent is inserted to allow blood to flow more easily across the liver. This tube is left in place.
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