A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure in which a hollow tube called a stent is placed to join two veins in a damaged liver. One vein carries blood to the liver (portal vein) from the organs in the belly. Another vein carries blood from the liver to the heart (hepatic vein).
A damaged liver can prevent the blood from filtering normally through the liver. This can cause high blood pressure in the portal vein. The stent allows some of the blood to bypass the liver. This lowers the pressure and makes veins less likely to rupture and bleed.
Why is it done?
TIPS is used to reduce high blood pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver.
TIPS may be used to:
Treat fluid buildup that continues to happen even though other treatment has been tried. The buildup often happens in the belly. This is called ascites.
Treat the bleeding that can happen when veins swell and break open because of the high pressure. This is called variceal bleeding. TIPS may be used when other treatments for the bleeding don't help or while you are waiting for a liver transplant.
How is it done?
A TIPS procedure is often done by a radiologist, who places a tube called a catheter into a vein in the neck. The doctor threads the catheter to the liver. Then a tube called a stent is placed to join the two veins. This stent allows some of the blood to bypass the liver.
What are the risks of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)?
Problems from a TIPS procedure may include:
Changes in mental function (encephalopathy). This happens when the liver is less able to filter toxins from the bloodstream. The toxins build up in the bloodstream and cause problems in your brain.
Problems with the stent, such as narrowing (stenosis) or closing (occlusion).
Bleeding.
Damage to the blood vessels.
Heart problems.
Infection.
Liver failure.
What can you expect after a TIPS procedure?
You may go home the same day or the next day after a TIPS procedure. You may have some imaging tests to make sure the stent is open so blood is able to bypass the liver and lower the pressure in the portal vein.
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Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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