Treatment of post-TIPS stent shunt obstruction by using Y-shaped channel technique: a preliminary study / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the feasibility of the establishment of a Y-shaped channel with windowing technique in treating the stent shunt obstruction occurring after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).Methods From February 2012 to December 2016,puncture windowing technique was employed in 7 patients to establish a Y-shaped channel in order to treat the stent shunt obstruction complicated by gastric varices bleeding or ascites due to recurrent portal hypertension.The preoperative Child-Pugh scores of liver function ranged from 5 to 10 points,with a mean of (6.85±1.56) points.The blood flow in both the portal vein and the shunt was determined before operation as well as at 5 days and 1,3,6months after operation;the post operative results were compared with preoperative ones.Results Y-shaped channel was successfully reconstructed in all 7 patients.The patients were followed up for a mean of 11months.Neither death nor hepatic encephalopathy occurred.Conclusion For the treatment of post-TIPS stent shunt obstruction,Y-shaped channel reconstruction within the occluded stent by using windowing technique is safe and effective,the operation is simple and easy.Therefore,this technique has certain clinical value.