A new coaxial needle system, hepatic artery targeting wire, and biplane fluoroscopy to increase safety and efficacy of TIPS

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 1994 Nov-Dec;17(6):343-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00203956.

Abstract

To improve safety and efficacy of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, we introduced a new, thin-needle (21-gauge long PTC needle) puncture technique using biplane fluoroscopy and targeting of a guidewire tip in the right hepatic artery. After puncture of the right portal vein, a 0.016-inch guidewire was inserted into the portal vein, followed by a 4 Fr dilator. The 4 Fr dilator allowed introduction of a 0.035-inch working guidewire. We successfully performed TIPS in seven patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis using this technique and encountered no technical difficulties or complications.

MeSH terms

  • Fluoroscopy / instrumentation
  • Fluoroscopy / methods*
  • Hepatic Artery
  • Humans
  • Needles*
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical / instrumentation*
  • Radiography, Interventional / instrumentation*