Primary placement of a constrained transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: how we do it

Learning Objectives Three methods for placement of a primary constrained transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) will be reviewed. Background TIPS creation is often complicated by hepatic encephalopathy. Medical management fails in approximately 5-10% of cases. In those patients, TIPS revision may be required by creating a flow-limiting stent using a variety of methods. To avoid the complication of hepatic encephalopathy, however, we occasionally place primary constrained stents during the initial TIPS creation, particularly if the indication for TIPS is refractory ascites. Clinical Findings/Procedure Details We take one of three approaches to creating a primary constrained TIPS. In one approach, a self-expanding 10 mm Gore-Viatorr stent graft is deployed and a 5-0 Prolene suture is tied around the midpoint. The modified graft is then crimped into a peel-away sheath and re-sterilized. After formation of the intrahepatic tract, the graft is deployed and balloon dilated. The suture creates a flow-limiting constriction which may be dilated and/or broken as needed to improve flow. Prolene is favored due to its high elasticity, which allows for balloon expansion. Another approach involves deploying the stent graft through a balloon-expandable bare metal stent. After accessing the portal vein, we place a short 6-8 mm bare metal stent within the intrahepatic tract. Once this stent is in place, the Viatorr stent graft is deployed within it and the entire assembly is dilated to the diameter needed. The outer stent maintains a constriction in the inner stent graft due to its higher radial force, and can be dilated at a later time. In the third technique, a balloon-mounted Atrium iCast stent graft is placed on a 10-French sheath and a 4-0 absorbable suture is tied around its midpoint. This stent is then crimped onto a balloon and deployed, with the suture serving as the constriction point. Dilation can be done at a future time if needed. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points Creation of a primary constrained TIPS can be readily performed, enabling a degree of control over reduction of the portosystemic gradient both at initial TIPS creation and at follow up. Whether these techniques result in a reduction of hepatic encephalopathy requires further investigation.