Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Superior and Inferior Mesenteric Vein Access for Portal Vein Recanalization-Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technique and outcomes of mesenteric access under ultrasound guidance to perform portal vein recanalization-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS).

METHODS

Four patients (3 male: 1 female, mean age: 46.2 years; range 38-64 years) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and cavernous transformation were eligible for PVR-TIPS. Due to inaccessible splenic vein (one patient with history of splenectomy and 3 patients with unavailable splenic vein during the procedure), noninvasive direct puncture of superior (n = 3) and inferior (n = 1) mesenteric vein was conducted under ultrasound guidance to obtain access for PVR-TIPS.

RESULTS

Trans-mesenteric access and PVR-TIPS were successful in all patients at first attempt. No immediate complication was observed following the procedures. Follow-up imaging with computed tomography (CT) scan and Doppler ultrasound revealed patent TIPS and portal venous vasculature in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous noninvasive transmesenteric access is a feasible approach for PVR-TIPS in patients with inaccessible splenic veins.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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