A new stent-graft for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) has become an effective method of treatment for the complications of portal hypertension, however shunt dysfunction is common. Covered stent-grafts have been tested in animal models, and customized or "home-made" devices have been deployed in several institutions. We report the use of a new commercially available TIPSS stent-graft in six patients undergoing primary shunting as well as two cases of revision or secondary TIPSS. The device has proved relatively easy to handle and appears to have the technical features likely to improve primary patency. Further follow-up is required to properly assess shunt patency and re-intervention rates.