Use of an Intrahepatic Arterial Targeting Wire for Guiding Portal Vein Puncture During TIPS Creation in Patients With Obliterative Portal Vein Thrombosis

Obtaining portal vein access is a challenging step in TIPS creation, particularly in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). We report the use of an intrahepatic arterial targeting wire to provide a target for portal vein puncture in 20 patients with cirrhosis and complete obliterative PVT who underwent TIPS placement. Technical success rate of TIPS placement was 90% (18/20). The median number of punctures was three. No severe complication occurred.

Automated summary

This study reports the use of an intrahepatic arterial targeting wire to assist in portal vein puncture in cirrhotic patients with complete obliterative portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The technical success rate of TIPS placement was 90% (18/20), with a median number of three punctures. No severe complications occurred.