Abstract
A transjugular portacaval intrahepatic stented shunt was created in 16 pigs without induced portal hypertension. A fine needle (OD 0.7 mm) was used for the transjugular puncture of the portal vein. The puncture was done directly from the inferior vena cava in 5 cases and from the right liver vein in 11 cases. The puncture tract was dilated and subsequently supported by a Strecker stent. The stented shunt was patent in all cases immediately after the stent placement, but was obstructed by fibrous tissue in 7 of 8 cases reexamined by angiography and autopsy after 4 weeks. Complications seem to be related to the choice of the puncture site, with fewer complications when the puncture was done via the right hepatic vein.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
